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PITTSBURGH 

IN 1816 



Compiled by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 

ON THE One Hundredth Anniversary of the 

Granting of the City Charter 




PITTSBURGH 

CARNEGIE LIBRARY 

1916 



PITTSBURGH 

IN 1816 -i£2 



Compiled by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 

ON THE One Hundredth Anniversary of the 

Granting of the City Charter 




>»^-,iv:,„?\V 



I /usbu./ 



PITTSBURGH 

CARNEGIE LIBRARY 

1916 







NOV 2 »>^ 



Preface 

This little book will interest the Pittsburgher of 191 6 
chiefly because the parts and pieces of which it is made were 
written by men who were living here or who passed this way 
in 1816. 

The three newspapers of the day — the Gazette, the Mer- 
cury, and the Commonwealth — have furnished, though some- 
what sparingly, the items of local news. They have also 
furnished advertisements— these in greater abundance and 
variety. 

The men who were the tourists of the day in America, 
traveling by stage, wagon, boat, or on horseback, often made 
Pittsburgh a stopping place in their journey. Many of them 
wrote books, in which may be found two or three pages, or a 
chapter, on the city as it appeared at that time. It is from 
these books that the section "Impressions of early travelers" 
has been gathered. The date given with these extracts is the 
date of publication, but the period referred to in every case is 
between 181 5 and 181 7. 

In addition to these gleanings from contemporaries, a num- 
ber of paragraphs from various histories of the city have 
been included. 

The sketches that have thus been bought together do not 
form a systematic or well proportioned description of the city ; 
yet they may help, through their vivid pictures and first-hand 
impressions, to give some idea of life in Pittsburgh a century 
ago. 



Table of Contents 

Page 

The New City ----------- y 

Impressions of Early Travelers ----- 13 

United States Census --------- 2.0 

Business and Industries ------- 21 

Traveling Eastward ---------26 

Taverns ------------ 30 

Steamboats and River Traffic - - - - - -31 

Ferries and Bridges --------- 40 

The Newspapers ----------42 

Churches ------------ 44 

Schools -------------48 

Libraries ------------ 50 

The New Books OF 1816 --------51 

The Theatre ----------- ^2 

The Morals Efficiency Society of 1816 - - - - 55 

I Fourth OF July, 1816 --------- 55 

Police -------------55 

Eagle Fire Company --------- 56 

Water-Supply -----------56 

Banks ------------- ^7 

Post-Office ------------ t^(^ 

The Suburbs ----------- 60 

Courts ------ ~ ------ (^^ 

County Elections -----____ 61 

The State Legislature -------- (^2. 

Slavery --.-----_--__ g^ 

Advertisements from the Newspapers of 1816 - - 64 
1816 -------.-_--_ 75 



The New City 

A MEETING 

OF THE 

DEMOCRATICK REPUBLICANS 

OF THE 

CITY OF PITTSBURGH, 

will be held at the house of Captain Jacob Carmack, (sign of 
the Turk's Head, Wood-street,) this evening (Tuesday June 
25,) at 7 o'clock for the purpose of forming a ticket for the 
select and common Councils of the City of Pittsburg. 

Commonwealth, June 25, 18 16. 

City Election 

A number of respectable citizens, desirous of preserving 
that harmony which has for several years past, so happily 
prevailed in the borough councils, and which is so essential 
to the prosperity of our infant city, have formed the following 
Ticket. They recommend it to the cool, dispassionate con- 
siderations of their fellow citizens ; and they flatter themselves, 
that it will, on the day of the election, meet with a firm and 
honorable support. It is formed, as tickets of the kind ought 
to be, without respect to party. There can exist no possible 
ground for the absurdity, that party feuds and animosity should 
be called up on occasions like the present. Every considera- 
tion of public interest, and of the peace and good order of the 
city, forbids it. — Our city is as yet in its infancy. — Its govern- 
ment is to be organized, its ordinances framed, its police estab- 
lished, and its general policy devised. 

In accomplishing these important objects, great prudence, 
deliberation, forbearance, and the undivided support of all 
classes of the citizens, are essentially necessary. Hence arises 
the necessity of checking, in the bud, any and every attempt, 
coming from whatever quarter it may, which would have a 
tendency to sow disunion and distrust among the people. Ac- 
tuated by these reasons, the following ticket is recommended 
to the free and independent voters. Their aid and co-operation 
IS solicited in checking the evils which may arise out of party 



feuds The gentlemen composing the ticket here recommended, 
have been chosen with due regard to their local situations ; they 
are respectable in private life; they are well qualified for dis- 
ci argTng the duties which will devolve upon them as members 
of the councils, and are all deeply interested in the growth, 
prosperity, and good order of the mfant city. 



SELECT COUNCIL 



John Wrenshall, E. Pentland, 

Benj. Bakewell, Dr. Geo. Stevenson, 

James Ross, ^^u^^^^T'' 

Thomas Cromwell, Robert Patterson. 

John Hannen, 



COMMON COUNCIL 



Tames Lea J^^n W. Johnston, 

Walter Forward, Paul Anderson, 

John Lvttle, Mn P. Skelton, 

Alex : Johnston, jr. George Boggs, 

Geo. Miltenberger, JT^^ i*^ n ' 

James Irwin, John Caldwell, 

Richard Bowen, George Evans. 

Mark Stackhouse, .^ r;?r/? 

Mercury, June 2p, icio. 

"Voters supported or opposed a candidate entirely accord- 
ing to their personal preferences. There were few newspapers 
and no political oratory to sway public sentiment. J^^ U^^^^^ 
States was then passing through the 'era of good feelmg 
which was renowned mainly for the absence ^^ f Pf ^^?fj^ 
asperities Had any question arisen which was fraught with 
poEr ignificance to the voters of this section the expres- 
sion in and around Pittsburg would undoubtedly have been 
Democratic or in opposition to the Federalist doctrme. It took 
PitTsburg people a"^ long time to forget that the excise tax, 
which brought about the Whiskey Insurrection, jas a Federal- 
ist measure The first question which arose to divide the peo- 
ple^'bitter dispute came with the election of Andrew Jackson 
to the presidency in 1828." Boucher's Century and a half of 



Pittsburg. 

8 



City Election 

"The first Election under the Act Incorporating the City 
of Pittsburgh, was held on Tuesday last, when the following 
gentlemen were elected: 

SELECT COUNCIL 

James Ross, James Irwin, 

Dr. Geo. Stevenson, Mark Stackhouse, 

William Hays, William Leckey, 

John Roseburgh, Richard Geary. 
Samuel Douglas, 

COMMON COUNCIL 

William Wilkins, George Evans, 

James R. Butler, John Caldwell, 

John P. Shelton, ' Richard Robinson, 

A. Johnston, Jr. Thomas M'Kee, 

James S. Stevenson, Daniel Hunter, 

James Brown, (B.) John Carson, 

Paul Anderson, John W. Trembly. 
John W. Johnston, 

Commonwealth, July p, 1816. 



The New Mayor 

Ebenezer Denny, esq. has been elected mayor of the city of Pitts- 
burgh, Ohio. — This gentleman we believe is from Massachusetts and 
is highly respected for his integrity and patriotism. Boston Yankee. 

We congratulate the editor of the Yankee upon the knowl- 
edge of men and places, exhibited in the foregoing article. It 
has been a custom at the Eastward to censure and burlesque 
the people of Western Pennsylvania on account of their ig- 
norance. Let the editor of the Yankee now blush at his own. 
Could it be believed that any man of common geographical 
knowledge — or who could have referred to Dr. Morse for 
information, (for on this subject even Dr. Morse is correct) 
would have located Pittsburgh — a city containing ten thousand 
inhabitants — possessing a manufacturing capital of many mil- 
lions — having three banking institutions, and a commerce ex- 
tending to every part of the union — a place which has long 
been considered the emporeum of the West, and which makes 
a more conspicuous figure in books of travels than even the 



Town of Notions itself; — could it, we ask, be believed, that 
such a place should be so little known or thought of in the 
town of Boston, as to be located in the state of Ohio ? Mayor 
Denny possesses all the virtues that are attributed to him by 
the Yankee, and many more, that render him an ornament to 
the station to which he has been elected; — but he does not 
boast an ancestry in the land of steady habits, the seat of Hart- 
ford Convention politics. He is a native of Carlisle, in this 
state, Commonzvealth, Aug. 6, 1816. 

From the Ordinances of 1816 
Traffic Rules 

"From and after the publication of this ordinance, all and 
every driver or drivers of all coaches, chariots, caravans, wag- 
gons, phaetons, chaises, chairs, solos, sleighs, carts, drays, and 
other carriages of burthen and pleasure, driving and passing 
in and through the streets, lanes and alleys of the City of 
Pittsburgh, where there is room sufficient for two to pass, 
shall keep on that side of street, lane or alley, on his or their 
right hand respectively, in the passing direction." 

"No person whatsoever shall sit or stand in or upon any 
such carriage or on any horse or beast harnessed thereto, in 
order to drive the same, unless he shall have strong lines or 
reins fastened to the bridles of his beasts, and held in his hands, 
sufficient to guide them in the manner aforesaid, and restrain 
them from running, galloping, or going at immoderate rates 
through the said streets, lanes or alleys; and... no person 
whatsoever, driving any such carriage or riding upon any 
horse, mare or gelding, in or through the said city, shall per- 
mit or suffer the beast or beasts he shall so drive or ride, to 
go in a gallop or other immoderate gait, so as to endanger 
persons standing or walking in the streets, lanes or alleys there- 
of ; and ... all porters . . . having the care of any such carriages 
. . .who shall not hold the reins in their hands. . .shall walk 
by the head of the shaft or wheel horse, holding or within 
reach of the bridle or halter of said horse." 

Shade Trees 

"It shall be lawful to plant on the bank of the Mononga- 
hela river, ornamental shade trees, provided the same do not 
incommode the passage ; that they be set on the side of the street 



next to the water, and so as not to stop or obstruct the pass- 
age of water along the gutters ; and so that the roots will not 
injure or raise the pavement: — when any of these injurious 
effects are produced, such trees then become a nusance, and 
the street commissioners shall forthwith remove the same." 

Fire Protection 

"A premium of ten dollars, to be paid on a warrant to be 
drawn by the Mayor on the city treasurer, shall be given to 
the fire company whose engine shall be first on the ground in 
fair operation, and in good order, in cases of fire; and the 
Mayor shall have power to determine all questions as to this 
premium." 

New Streets 

An Ordinance respecting sundry new streets in the eastern 

addition to Pittsburgh. 

"That Third-street extending from Grant-street to Try- 
street, and Fourth, extended in a direct line from Grant-street 
to Try-street ; and Diamond-street extending from Ross-street 
to the lane leading eastwardly from the end of Fourth-street, 
and Ross-street extended from Third-street to Diamond-street, 
and Try-street extended from Third-street to the lane leading 
eastwardly from the end of .Fourth-street, be and they are 
hereby accepted and declared to be public streets and highways 
of the city . . . and all those streets shall be kept, repaired and 
maintained for public use, at public expense forever hereafter." 

For the Public Good 

"If the chimney of any person or persons within the. . .city 
shall take fire and blaze out at the top, the same not having 
been swept within the space of one calender month, next before 
the time of taking such fire, every such person or persons, shall 
forfeit and pay the sum of three dollars." 

"No stove pipe within the. . .city shall project through the 
front door, front windows, front wall, or past the front corners 
of any house, shop or building, over or out upon any street, 
square or alley, or public ground of the. . .city; and if any 
stove pipe shall so project as aforesaid, the same is hereby de- 
clared to be a public nusance, and as such shall be removed, and 
a fine of five dollars also imposed on the person or persons 
who shall so offend." 



"If any person or persons, shall wilfully suffer his, her or 
their horse or horses, mare, gelding, mule, ox, hog or hogs, to 
run at large in the . . . city, he, she or they so offending, shall 
for each offence, on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay for 
each of the said animals so running at large, the sum of one 
dollar." 

"If any person or persons shall, within the said city,' beat 
a drum, or without lawful authority, ring any public bell, after 
sunset, or at any time except in lawful defence of person or 
property, discharge any gun or fire arms, or play at or throw 
any metal or stone bullet, or make a bon-fire, or raise or create 
any fahe alarm of fire, he. she, or they so offending, shall for 
every such offence, on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay the 
sum of four dollars." 

"City appropriation for filling up a part of the pond on 
Sixth street, between Cherry alley and Grant street — thirty 
dollars." Commonzvealth, Nov. ip, 1816. 



Impressions of Early Travelers 

"Fort du Quesne, built by the French, formerly stood here; 
its site has almost disappeared in the Ohio. The remains of 
Fort Pitt (from whence the town has its name) are very faint; 
we can yet perceive part of the ditch, its salient angles and bas- 
tions, &c.) but several houses, stores, and a brewhouse, are 
built on the ground." Palmer's Journal of travels in the United 
States and Canada, 1817. 

"Although Pittsburg, a few years since, was surrounded by 
Indians, it is now a curiosity to see any there; a few traders 
sometimes come down the Alleghany, with seneca oil, &c." 
Palmer's Journal of travels in the United States, 18 18. 

"Pittsburgh was hidden from our view, until we descended 
through the hills within half a mile of the Allegany river. Dark 
dense smoke was rising from many parts, and a hovering cloud 
of this vapour, obscuring the prospect, rendered it singularly 
gloomy. Indeed, it reminded me of the smoking logs of a 
new field." Thomas's Travels through the western country 
in 18 16. 

"A mixture of all nations, though principally Americans; 
there are Irish, Scotch, English, French, Dutch, Swiss, etc. . . 
The character of the people is that of enterprising and per- 
severing industry; every man to his business is the prevailing 
maxim, there is therefore little time devoted to amusements 
or to the cultivation of refined social pleasures. Strangers are 
not much pleased with the place in point of hospitality merely, 
but those who have business to transact, will meet with as 
many facilities as elsewhere. They are of all denominations 
of the Christian religion ; many of them attentive on the duties 
of their worship, and but few addicted to gross vices and dis- 
sipation. Luxury, pomp and parade are scarcely seen ; there are 
perhaps, not more than one or two carriages in the place. There 
is a public academy, but not in a flourishing state, where the 
Latin and Greek classics are taught. There are besides, a num- 

13 



ber of English schools where children are taught to read, 
write, arithmetic, grammar, etc. There is a seminary for 
young ladies, which is said to be well conducted. The amuse- 
ments of these industrious people are not numerous, a few balls 
during the winter season ; there is also a small theatre where a 
company from the eastern cities sometimes performs. A society 
has been formed for the purpose of natural improvement in 
the different departments of natural history, and is flourishing; 
it has attached to it a circulating library, a cabinet of curiosi- 
ties and chemical laboratory." Cramer's Navigator, i8i/. 

"The first buildings of Pittsburg were of logs, some of 
which were unhewn; then came rude stone structures made 
from material quarried nearby, and these in turn were followed 
by brick buildings, for with an abundance of clay and fuel, 
it was an easy matter to burn brick. In none of them was there 
any attempt at architectural beauty. Most of them consisted 
of four square walls, with small windows and doors, thus dis- 
playing every evidence of economy. The interior finish of the 
early houses displayed more taste and beauty than the exterior, 
for it was easier to carve and fashion in wood than in stone. . . 
Nevertheless there was a beauty in the simplicity of the walls 
that gradually developed a style which in modern days is called 
Colonial architecture, and which even yet predominates in 
Pittsburg." Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg. 

"In 1815 the buildings of a public character were '3. hand- 
some octagon Episcopal church, a handsome and spacious 
Presbyterian church, also a Covenanters, German Lutheran 
and Roman Catholic church, and an Academy, all of brick;' 
a court house, jail, three incorporated banks, a dramatic thea- 
tre, a Masonic hall, three market houses, one in the Diamond 
and two in Second street. Both the court house and market 
house in the public square, called the Diamond, were built of 
brick, and some of the mercantile and financial buildings were 
of a substantial character." Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh. 

"When this city and vicinity was surveyed by the author of 
this treatise, in October, 181 5, there were in Pittsburg 960 
dwelling houses, and in the suburbs, villages, and immediate 
outskirts, about 300 more, making in all 1260, and including 
inhabitants, workmen in the manufactories, and labourers, up- 
wards of 12,000 inhabitants." Darby's Emigrant's guide, 18 18. 

14 



"Grant's-hill, an abrupt eminence which projects into the 
rear of the city, affords one of the most dehghtful prospects 
with which I am acquainted; presenting a singular combina- 
ton of the bustle of the town, with the solitude and sweetness 
of the country. How many hours have I spent here, in the 
enjoyment of those exquisite sensations which are awakened 
by pleasing associations and picturesque scenes ! The city lay 
beneath me, enveloped in smoke — the clang of hammers re- 
sounded from its numerous manufactories — the rattling of 
carriages and the hum of men were heard from its streets — 
churches, courts, hotels, and markets, and all the 'pomp and 
circumstance' of busy life, were presented in one panoramic 
view. Behind me were all the silent soft attractions of rural 
sweetness — the ground rising gradually for a considerable 
distance, and exhibiting country seats, surrounded with cul- 
tivated fields, gardens, and orchards." Hall's Letters from the 
West, 1828. 

"Pittsburg is a considerable town, generally built of brick 
. . .The site is romantic and delightful. It is well known as a 
manufacturing place, and once almost supplied the lower coun- 
try with a variety of the most necessary and important manu- 
factures. But the wealth, business, and glory of this place are 
fast passing away, transferred to Cincinnati, to Louisville, and 
other places on the Ohio. Various causes have concurred to 
this result ; but especially the multiplication of steam-boats, and 
the consequent facility of communication with the Atlantic 
ports by the -Mississippi. There is little prospect of the reverse 
of this order of things. The national road, terminating at 
Wheeling, contributes to this decay of Pittsburg." Flint's 
Recollections of the last ten years, 1826. 

"It is laid out in strait streets, forty and fifty feet wide, 
having foot-walks on each side. Watch-boxes are placed at 
convenient distances, and the police of the city (except in light- 
ing) is well regulated. From the number of manufactures, and 
the inhabitants burning coal, the buildings have not that clean 
appearance so conspicuous in most American towns. The 
houses are frame and brick, in the principal street three story 
high. 

Outside of the town, some log houses yet remain. The 
number of inhabitants in 1810, was 4768; they are supposed to 
be now near 8000. The manufactures, carried on in the neigh- 
bourhood, out of the borough, employ many hundred people. 

15 



The inhabitants, are Americans, Irish, and English. The 
Americans are most of them of German and Irish descent. 
The public buildings are a jail, fort Fayette barracks, a court 
house, market house, bank, and several churches." Palmer's 
Journal of travels in the United States, 1818. 

"The adjoining hills contain inexhaustible quarries of sand 
rock, suitable for grindstones ; and several establishments, for 
the manufacture of these useful articles, are extensively con- 
ducted. As no marble is brought hither, except from the neigh- 
bourhood of Philadelphia, those quarries also supply the citi- 
zens with gravestones. Near Breakneck, I noted that mica 
was contained in the sand rock and this singular addition is 
also found here, in all the strata of that stone which I have 
seen." Thomas's Travels through the zvestern country in 18 16. 

"6 mo. 14. — Having been detained, day after day longer 
than we expected, this morning about sunrise, we left Pitts- 
burgh with all the joy of a bird which escapes from its cage. 

'From the tumult, and smoke of the city set free,' 
we were ferried over the Monongahela, with elated spirits ; and 
I repeated that line in Montgomery, with an emphasis, which 
it never before seemed to require." Thomas's Travels through 
the western country in 1816. 

"There are a considerable number of free negroes in the 
city. Whilst here, we saw a funeral attended by these people ; 
sixty or seventy couple, two and two in the manner of the Phila- 
delphians." Palmer's Journal of travels in the United States, 
1818. 

"The inhabitants of Pittsburg are fond of music; in our 
evening walks, we were sure to hear performers on the violin, 
clarionet, flute, and occasionally the piano-forte. Concerts are 
not unusual. The houses of the principal streets have benches 
in front, on which the family and neighbours sit and enjoy the 
placidity of their summer evenings." Palmer's Journal of 
travels in the United States and Canada, 18 ly. 

"If the inhabitants of Pittsburgh are determined to call 
that place after some English town, I should propose that, in- 
stead of the 'American Birmingham,' it be denominated, with 
relation of the humidity of its climate, 'the American Man- 

16 



Chester ;' for I remained at this place several days, during which 
time the rain never ceased. The smoke is also extreme, giving- 
to the town and its inhabitants a very sombre aspect; but an 
English medical gentleman who has resided here some years, 
informs me that there is not a more healthy place in the United 
States." Fearons Sketches of America, 1818. 

"The streets of Pittsburgh are lighted, and consequently the 
useful order of watchmen is established. My ears, however, 
have not become reconciled to their music. It is true, I have 
been more conversant in forests than in cities, and may not 
comprehend the advantages of these deep-mouthed tones ; but 
breaking the slumbers of the invalid, and giving timely notice 
to the thief, form two items of much weight in my view as a 
set off against them. 

Pittsburgh is laid out to front both rivers; but as these 
do not approach at right angles, the streets intersect each other 
obliquely. 

It is not a well built city. The south-west part is the most 
compact, but many years must elapse before it will resemble 
Philadelphia. Wooden buildings, interspersed with those of 
brick, mar the beauty of its best streets ; and as few of these 
are paved, mud, in showery weather, becomes abundant. A 
short period, however, will probably terminate this incon- 
venience." Thomas's Travels through the western country in 
1816. 

"In October, 181 6, a resolution was passed permitting a 
Mr. Gray to exhibit a panoramic view of the naval engage- 
ment on Lake Champlain and the battle of Plattsburg without 
a license or other tax, owing to 'the patriotic nature and worthy 
object of the exhibit.' In November, 1816, a committee was 
appointed to inquire whether it was expedient for the city to 
possess for public purposes more ground than it then did, and 
whether it would be expedient at that time to purchase ground 
upon which to erect buildings. In December a resolution in- 
troduced by Mr. Wilkins provided for the appointment of a 
special committee to make a detailed report upon the condi- 
tion of the manufactures of Pittsburg, which resolution was 
adopted; whereupon the following committee was appointed: 
Benjamin Bakewell, Aquila M. Bolton and James Arthurs. . . 
The city councils at this time also sent agents to Harrisburg 
and Washington to labor specially in the interests of public 

17 



roads in the Western country. In 1816 Northern Liberties 
was laid out by George A. Bayard and James Adams." Wil- 
son's History of Pittsburg. 

"The price of property has increased in the most surprising 
manner within the last ten years ; it is now at least ten times as 
high as it was at that period. There are but few sales of lots 
in fee simple, the custom is to let on perpetual lease; the price 
in Market and Wood streets, varies from ten to twenty dol- 
lars per foot, and in the other streets from four to eight, and 
in particular situations still higher. The rents are equally 
high. In Market, Wood and Water streets, the principal 
places of business, it is difficult to procure a common room in 
an upper story, under one hundred dollars per annum; the 
rent of stores, vary from three to five hundred dollars; there 
is one warehouse which rents for twelve hundred : the rent 
of tavern stands, is from five to twelve hundred dollars. The 
rent of dwelling houses varies much, according to the locality 
and kind of the tenement ; a genteel private family can scarcely 
obtain a good dwelling under three or four hundred dollars." 
Cramer's Navigator, 18 ly. 

'-Provisions of all kinds bring a high price in this city 
though the market is fluctuating. Hay, at present is twenty 
dollars a ton, and oats one dollar per bushel. Butter varies 
from twenty-five to seventy-five cents per pound. The farmers 
of this neighbourhood, however, produce neither cheese or 
pork, that merits a notice. The former of these articles is 
chiefly obtained from the state of Ohio, and bacon, procured 
from Kentucky, is now retailed at sixteen or seventeen cents 
per pound. 

Before the late war, this market was distinguished for its 
cheapness; but with an influx of strangers, induced by the 
movements of that period, 'zvar prices' commenced ; and 
though peace has returned — and though many of those new 
comers have sought their former places of residence, — the en- 
couragements held out to the farmer, suffers no diminution. 
Indeed, there are great inducements for the industrious to 
migrate hither. Though the soil is uneven, it is far from being 
sterile; and exclusive of salubrity of situation, and of durable 
timber for fences, the coal mines, which pervade almost every 
hill, constitute treasures of great value. 

Farms round this city, at the distance of two or three miles 
have been lately sold from fifty to one hundred dollars an 



acre, according to situation." Thomas's Travels through the 
western country in 1816. 

"We remark much difference between the manners of the 
inhabitants of this country and those of Cayuga. In that place, 
profane language is rarely heard from any person, who pre- 
tends to decency, except in a paroxysm of vexation. Here it 
is an every day amusement. Crossing the Monongahela, in the 
ferry-boat, with an intelligent gentleman of polished manners, 
I was shocked and surprised to hear almost every sentence from 
his lips interlarded with an oath or an imprecation; yet he 
was in gay good humour, and, I believe, unconscious of this 
breach of decorum. 

It would be unjust not to express my belief, that honour- 
able exceptions to these censures are numerous ; but impiety 
certainly constitutes a strong characteristic of no inconsider- 
able part of this people . . . 

1 have remarked with regret the impiety of some of these 
citizens ; but we think, that generally, they are entitled to 
much praise for obliging and courteous behaviour. Civility to 
strangers, in a high degree, even pervades their factories ; and 
in all those which I have visited, the mean practice of permit- 
ting children to ask the spectators for money, appears to be un- 
known." Thomas's Travels through the ivestern country in 
1816. 

"Except the gratifying reflection arising from the review 
of so much plastic industry, Pittsburg is by no means a pleas- 
ant city to a stranger. The constant volumes of smoke pre- 
serve the atmosphere in a continued cloud of coal dust. In 
October, 181 5, by a reduced calculation, at least 2000 bushels 
of that fuel was consumed daily, on a space of about two and 
a quarter square miles. To this is added a scene of activity, 
that reminds the spectator that he is within a commercial port, 
though 300 miles from the sea. 

Several good inns, and many good taverns, are scattered 
over the city; but often, from the influx of strangers, ready 
accommodation is found difficult to procure. Provisions of 
every kind abound; two markets are held weekly." Darby's 
Emigrant's guide, 18 18. 

"The published accounts of this city are so exaggerated and 
out of all reason, that strangers are usually disappointed on 
visiting it. This, however, was not my case. I have been in 

19 



some measure tutored in American gasconade. When I am 
told that at a particular hotel there is handsome accommoda- 
tion, I expect that they are one remove from very bad ; if 'ele- 
gant entertainment,' I anticipate tolerable; if a person is *a 
clever man,' that he is not absolutely a fool ; and if a manufac- 
tory is the 'first in the zvorld,' I expect, and have generally 
found, about six men and three boys employed." Fearon's 
Sketches of America, 1818. 

"As every blessing has its attendant evil, the stone coal is 
productive of considerable inconvenience from the smoke which 
overhangs the town, and descends in fine dust which blackens 
every object; even snow can scarcely be called white in Pitts- 
burgh. The persons and dress of the inhabitants, in the in- 
terior of the houses as well as the exterior, experience its 
effect. The tall steeple of the court house, was once painted 
white, but alas ! how changed. Yet all this might be prevented 
by some additional expense on the construction of the chimnies. 
In the English manufacturing towns, a fine is imposed upon 
those who do not consume their smoke. Incalculable would 
be the advantage to this place, could such a regulation be 
adopted." Cramer's Navigator, 18 ly. 

"Upon the whole, I consider Pittsburgh, in every point of 
view, to be a very important town ; and have no doubt, although 
its prosperity is now at a stand, and property if not declining, 
is not increasing in value, that it will gradually advance; and 
that the time must come when it will be an extensive and very 
populous city. The present population is 10,000, made up from 
all nations, and, of course, not free from the vices of each : this 
indeed is but too apparent upon a very short residence." 
Fearon's Sketches of America, 18 18. 

United States Census 

1810 1820 

United States 7.239.903 9.637.999 

Pennsylvania 810,091 1,049,449 

Allegheny county.. 25,317 34.921 

Pittsburgh 4.768 7.248 



Business and Industries 

"In 1813 there were five glass factories, three foundries, 
a new edge tool factory, Cowan's New Rolling Mill, a new 
lock factory built by Patterson, two steam engine and boiler 
works, one 'steel factory and a goodly number of small concerns 
manufacturing various articles. In 181 7 the city councils ap- 
pointed a committee to collect and publish a list of all the large 
factories in the city. This was done perhaps to let the world 
know of the industry and thrift of Pittsburg, and is valuable 
because it is an official list and is to be relied upon. It must 
also be remembered that these figures represented the indus- 
tries of Pittsburg when barely emerging from the panic of 
181 5-1 7, a financial depression that has scarcely been equalled 
in Western Pennsylvania in all its history." Boucher's Century 
and a half of Pittsburg. 

"There are many good stores in Pittsburg, and a great 
trade is carried on with Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the 
States of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, &c. ; exclusive of 
the carrying trade, and the number of boats that are always 
proceeding down the Ohio, with vast quantities of foreign 
merchandize, destined to Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indi- 
ana, &c. The inhabitants send up the Alleghany, Mononga- 
hela, and their forks, whisky, cyder, bacon, apples, iron, and 
castings, glass and foreign merchandize; in return they re- 
ceive many thousand bushels of salt from Onondago, and im- 
mense rafts from Alleghany and French creeks. The quan- 
tity of rafts imported into Pittsburg annually, is computed at 
4,000,000 feet; average nine dollars per 1000 feet." Palmer s 
Journal of traz'els in the United States and Canada, 181/. 

"The state of trade is at present dull; but that there is a 
great deal of business done must be evident from the quan- 
tity of 'dry goods' and 'grocery stores,' many of the pro- 
prietors of which have stocks as heavy as the majority of 
London retail dealers. They are literally stuffed with goods 
of English manufacture, consisting of articles of the most 
varied kind, from a man's coat or lady's gown, down to a 
whip or an oyster knife." Fearon's Sketches of America, 18 18. 



"It is difficult to form a judgment whether there is an 
opening in any of the present estabHshed businesses. One 
fact strongly in favour of the stability of this town is, that 
there has not been a bankruptcy in it for three years! ! ! a singu- 
lar contrast this with New York, in which the last published 
list of insolvents contained upwards of 400 names." Fearon's 
Sketches of America, 18 18. 

"The principal manufacturing establishments are, a steam 
grist-mill, steam engine factory, slitting-mill, to which is at- 
tached a nail factory, the first of the kind in America ; a can- 
non foundery, air furnace, cotton and woollen factories, two 
potteries, three breweries, &;c. — There are four printing-offices, 
and two bookstores. A complete description of this interest- 
ing town would fill a volume." Brown's Western gazetteer, 
1817. 

"Two cotton factories, one woollen factory, one paper mill, 
two saw mills, and one flour mill, are all moved by steam, in 
this city and in its suburbs across the Monongahela. Four 
glass factories, two for flint, and two for green, are very ex- 
tensive; and the productions of the former for elegance of 
workmanship, are scarcely surpassed by European manufac- 
ture. It is sent in many directions from this place ; one of the 
proprietors assured us that Philadelphia receives a part, but 
the great outlet is down the Ohio." Thomas's Travels through 
the zvestern country in 1.816. 

"Some of the. . .manufactories' may be denominated first- 
rate. This remark applies particularly to the nail, steam- 
engine (high pressure) and glass establishments. I was aston- 
ished to witness such perfection on this side of the Atlantic, 
and especially in that part of America which a New Yorker 
supposes to be at the farther end of the world. 

At Messrs. Page and Bakewell's glass warehouse I saw 
chandeliers and numerous articles in cut glass of a verv 
splendid description ; among the latter was a pair of decanters, 
cut from a London pattern, the price of which will be eight 
guineas. It is well to bear in mind that the demand for these 
articles *oi elegant luxury lies in the M'^ est em States! the in- 
habitants of Eastern America being still importers from the 
'Old Country.' " Fearon's Sketches of America, 18 18. 



"The glass establishment of Bakewell, Page & Bakewell 
was founded in 1808 and the building erected in 181 1, on 
Water Street, above Grant, and, from the start, was devoted 
exclusively to the manufacture of white or flint glass. So 
excellent was the article produced that the manufacturers at- 
tained a fame, not only in all parts of the United States, but 
in Mexico and in many parts of Europe. No finer product 
could be found anywhere. If a stranger of prominence visited 
Pittsburgh he was taken with certainty to Bakewell's glass- 
house." Wilson's History of Pittsburg. 

"Perhaps of all the wonders of Pittsburg, the greatest is 
the glass factories. About twenty years have elapsed since 
the first glass-house was erected in that town, and at this 
moment every kind of glass, from a porter bottle or window 
pane, to the most elegant cut crystal glass, are now manu- 
factured. There are four large glass-houses, in which are now 
manufactured, at least, to the amount of 200,000 dollars an- 
nually." Darby's Emigrant's guide, 18 18. 

"Walter Forward, the great lawyer of Pittsburg in his day, 
had addressed a large audience in the court house on Decem- 
ber 28, 1 81 6. In speaking of the rapidly growing iron busi- 
ness of Pittsburg, he said, that the iron interests were then 
consuming about 1800 tons of pig iron; that the business em- 
ployed about 150 hands, and the product was valued at 
$250,000. Of wrought iron there was annually worked up 
about 2000 tons, the products from which were, according to 
the best estimates, worth about $1,300,000." Boucher's Cen- 
tury and a half of Pittsburg. 

"The first furnace or foundry in the town which had a 
permanent existence was established in 1803 by Joseph Mc- 
Clurg. This was the celebrated Fort Pitt foundry . . . Here 
were cast cannon that boomed over Lake Erie in .the war of 
1 81 2 and thundered before Mexico in 1847. A large part of 
Commodore Perry's equipment came from here." Magazine 
of zvestern history, 1885. 

"The first rolling mill of Pittsburg was built by a Scotch- 
Irishman in 181 1 and 1812. It was called the Pittsburg Roll- 
ing Mill . . . This extensive mill stood on the corner of Penn 
street and Cecil alley, and is referred to by early writers as the 

23 



Stackpole and Whiting mill. They were two Boston iron 
workers named respectively William Stackpole and Ruggles 
Whiting. They introduced nail cutting machines which both 
cut and headed the nails. They operated the mill during the 
hard times which followed the War of 1812, and strange to 
say, failed financially in 1819, when business of all kinds had 
somewhat revived." Boucher's Centiiry and a half of Pittsburg. 

"The slitting and rolling mill, together with the nail factory 
of Stackpole & Whiting, is moved by a steam engine of seventy- 
horse power. These we visited with much satisfaction. On 
entering the south-west door, the eye catches the majestic 
swing of the beam; and at the same instant, nine nailing- 
machines, all in rapid motion, burst on the view. Bewildered 
by the varying velocity of so many new objects, we stand as- 
tonished at this sublime effort of human ingenuity." Thomas's 
Travels through the western country in 18 16. 

"At the close of the first quarter of the nineteenth century 
Pittsburg had surpassed all other parts of the West in the pro- 
duction of nails. A patent nail machine had been introduced 
extensively, and it had revolutionized the manufacture. Some 
of the factories were built in connection with the rolling 
mills." Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg. 

"'^^he first rope-walk erected west of the Allegheny Moun- 
tains, was established in Pittsburgh in 1794, and was located 
on the ground now occupied by the Monongahela House. The 
business was carried on by Col. John Irwin and wife . . . 

Immediately following the death of Col. Irwin, Mrs. Irwin 
gave her son an interest in the business ; and it was carried on 
under the name and style of Mary and John Irwin. 

In the year 1795 the works were removed to the square 
bounded by Liberty, Third, and Fourth Streets and Redoubt 
Alley. In view of the increasing demand for their products, 
and confined limits of this locality, the walk was removed in 
181 2 to the bank of the Allegheny River between Marbury 
Street and the point, where the entire rigging for Perry's fleet 
was manufactured . . . 

Mrs. Irwin, on account of her age, and loss of health, re- 
solved to quit business, in view of which she disposed of her 
interest to her son, who, in accordance with his preconceived 
notions on the subject, commenced the erection, in Allegheny, 

24 



in 1 813, of one of the most extensive works in the West, on the 
ten-acre out-lot bounded by the West Commons, Water Lane 
(now Western Avenue), out-lots Nos. 275, 29, and 30. It 
was known and designated as out-lot No. 276 in the 'Reserve 
Tract opposite Pittsburg.' Mr. Irwin successfully carried on 
the business until Jan. i, 1835, when he associated with him 
his son Henry, under the name of John Irwin & Son." Parke's 
Recollections of seventy years. 

"Mr. Charles Rosenbaum has established a shop for mak- 
ing Piano Fortes, which are of superior quality. They are 
equal in elegance of workmanship, and in tone, to any im- 
ported. We are happy to hear that his success meets his most 
flattering expectation." Cramer's Almanack, 18 16. 

"Knitting needle making has been commenced by Messrs. 
Frethy and Pratt. In New- York pin making is going on lively. 
It is hoped our females will be well supplied with these articles 
especially with the first." Cramer's Navigator, iSiy. 

"Trunks are made smartly by J. M. Sloan, who wants for 
this purpose deer skins with the hair on. 

Stocking weaving, for want of encouragement, perhaps 
goes on but slowly. We see no reason why a stocking cannot 
be wove as cheap and as good here as in any other part of the 
world. 

Brush-making. Mr. Blair conducts this business to great 
advantage and manufactures vast quantities of brushes. Much 
more could be done were the farmers more careful of their 
hogs' bristles." Cramer's Navigator, 18 ly. 



25 



Traveling Eastward 

QUICK TRANSPORTATION. 

"In the course of the present week, waggons have arrived 
at Pittsburgh, in thirteen days from Philadelphia, with loads 
of 3500 lbs. and upwards." Mercury, May 11, 18 16. 

"Two good safe and easy Stages Will leave Pittsburgh for 
Philadelphia on the 27th or 28th inst. and will offer a pleasant 
conveyance for four persons on very accommodating terms. 
Apply at the Branch Bank on Second street or at the office of 
the Pittsburgh Gazette." Gazette, 18 16. 

"Near Philadelphia, the single team of eight or nine horses 
is seen ; in the lower parts of Maryland and Virginia, the light 
three-horse team is common; while in this country, the heavy 
Lancaster waggon, drawn by five or six horses, which vie in 
stature with the elephant, is continually before us. The ex- 
treme slowness of these overland sloops, often attracted our 
notice." Thomas's Travels through the western country in 
1816. 

"Before the time of railroads between the east and west of 
the Allegheny mountains, the freight business to the Monon- 
gahela was carried on by means of the Conestoga road wagons 
drawn by six horses. By this way the freight to Pittsburgh 
was carried exclusively, but after the completion of the Penn- 
sylvania canal, transportation was divided between the canal- 
boat and the wagon. As early as 181 7 12,000 wagons, in twelve 
months,' passed over the Allegheny mountains from Philadel- 
phia and Baltimore, each with from four to six horses, carrying 
from thirtyfive to forty hundred weight. The cost was about 
$7 per 100 weight, in some cases $10. To transport one ton of 
freight between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, therefore, would 
cost about $140, and in so doing two weeks, at least, of time 
would be consumed." Van Voorhis's Old and new Monon- 
gahela. 

26 



"The standard wagon for heavy work was the 'Conestoga.' 
The bed was low in the center and high at each end. The 
lower part of the bed was- painted blue. Above this was a red 
part about a foot wide which could be taken off when neces- 
sary, and these with the white canvas covering, made the 
patriotic tri-color of the American flag, though this was prob- 
ably unintentional. Bells were often used in all seasons of the 
year though not strings of bells such as were afterwards used 
in sleighing. The wagoner's bells were fastened to an iron 
bow above the hames on the horses and were pear shaped and 
very sweet toned. Perhaps they relieved the monotony of the 
long journey over the lonely pike." Boucher's Century and a 
half of Pittsburg. 

"With the Conestoga wagons originated our modern 
'stogie' cigars which have become so common in Pittsburg and 
which have been in recent years, sent from Pittsburg to every 
Section of the Union. They were made in that day of pure 
home grown tobacco and being used very largely at first by 
the Conestoga wagoners, took the name 'stogies' which clings 
to them yet." Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg. 

"There was almost a continuous stream of four or six horse 
wagons laden with merchandise, going west and returning 
with the product of the Ohio Valley to supply the eastern cities. 
These wagons journeyed mostly between Pittsburg and Phila- 
delphia and Baltimore. The wagoners generally stopped at a 
wayside inn which was less expensive than at the inns in the 
villages. Wagoners cared little for style but demanded an 
abundance while the stage-coach passengers demanded both. 
The wagoner invariably slept on a bunk which he carried with 
him and which he laid on the floor of the big bar-room and 
office of the country hotel. Stage drivers and their passengers 
stopped at the best hotels and paid higher prices. For the 
purpose of feeding his horses in the public square, the wagoner 
carried a long trough which at night he fastened with special 
irons to the tongue of the wagon . . . An old gentleman told the 
writer that he had once seen 52 wagons in an unbroken line 
going towards Pittsburg on this pike. They were Conestoga 
wagons with great bowed beds covered with canvas, and none 
of them were drawn by less than four, while many of them 
had six horses. The old fashioned public square which kept 
them over night must have been a good sized one. The public 
squares on this turnpike were usually from three to four hun- 

27 



dred feet long and from two to three hundred feet wide. Some 
of the older villages had two squares separated a short distance 
from each other, but this was generally brought about by a 
rivalry among two factions when the town was first laid out." 
Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg. 

"When a village was laid out along the pike there was 
usually a public square in its center, and at least two corners 
of this public square were set apart for taverns. This square 
generally called a diamond, was not intended as a place of 
ornament as it usually is now, but was for special purposes. 
There the wagons laden with freight stood over night, and as 
a general rule in all kinds of weather, the horses were blanketed, 
fed and bedded in the public square. Upon these wagons were 
transported nearly all the goods between Philadelphia and 
Pittsburg." Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg. 

"An account has been furnished us by Mr. Alexander 
Thompson, who resides on the Turnpike road four miles and 
a half from Pittsburgh, from which it appears, that from the 
1st of January, 1815 to the 31st of December 1815, inclusive, 
5,800 road waggons, laden with merchandize &c. passed his 
farm for Pittsburgh. The greater part of these waggons re- 
turned loaded with cordage, salt petre, &c. to the east of the 
mountains. 

The waggons with iron from the Juniata and other iron 
works, are not included in the above." Gazette, Jan. 27, 18 16. 

"Recurring to my old plan of estimation, I passed on my 
road from Chambersburgh to Pittsburgh, being 153 miles, one 
hundred and three stage-waggons, drawn by four and six 
horses, proceeding from Philadelphia and Baltimore to Pitts- 
burgh, — seventy-nine from Pittsburgh to Baltimore and Phila- 
delphia, — sixty-three waggons, with families, from the several 
places following: — twenty from Massachusetts, — ten from the 
district of Maine, — fourteen from Jersey, — thirteen from Con- 
necticut, — two from Maryland, — one from Pennsylvania, — one 
from England, — one from Holland, — ^and one from Ireland; 
about two hundred persons on horseback, — twenty on foot. — 
one beggar, one family, with their waggon, returning from Cin- 
cinnati, entirely disappointed — a circumstance which, though 
rare, is by no means, as some might suppose, miraculous." 
Fearon's Sketches of America, 18 18. 

28 



"Pittsburg is a cheap market for horses . . . travellers from 
the east, often quit their horses here, and take the river for 
Kevv Orleans, &c. ; and on the contrary, those from the west 
proceed eastward from this place, in stages. Thus, there are 
constantly a number of useful hackneys on sale. The mode 
of selling is by auction. The auctioneer rides the animal 
through the streets, proclaiming with a loud voice, the bid- 
dings that are made as he passes along, and when they reach 
the desired point, or when nobody bids more, he closes the 
bargain, 

A complete equipment is, in the first place, a pacing horse, 
a blanket under the saddle, another upon it, and a pair of 
saddle-bags, with great-coat and umbrella strapped behind. 

Women of advanced age, often take long journeys in this 
manner, without inconvenience. Yesterday I heard a lady 
mentioned familiarly (with no mark of admiration) who is 
coming from Tenessee, twelve hundred miles, to Pittsburg 
with an infant ; preferring horseback to boating up the river." 
Birkbeck's Notes on a journey in America, 1818. 

"The horses, in this place, are a much larger breed than 
thoFC commonly rai'^ed in New- York ; and as the utmost regu- 
larity in feeding and currying prevails, their appearance is well 
calculated to excite the admiration of strangers, from the east- 
ward." Thomas's Travels through the western country in 18 16. 

"A common mode of selling horses is for the owner to 
gallop through the street, announcing the amount of his last 
bidding. I have witnessed several crying out, 'twenty-five 
d altars,' 'twenty-five d altars,' twenty-five d altars;' and after 
half an hour's exercise, they have been transferred, saddle, 
bridle, and all, to a new bidder, for twenty-five dallars, fifty 
sants." Fearons Sketches of America, 18 18. 



29 



Taverns 

"A requisite of the old-fashioned wagon or stage town 
hotel or of the wayside inn was a large room used as an office 
and bar-room and as a sleeping place for the wagoners. In 
it was a large open fireplace which was abundantly supplied 
with wood in the early days, and later with coal. Around this, 
when the horses were cared for and the evening's diversion was 
over, the wagoners spread their bunks in a sort of semi-circle 
with their feet to the fire, for they were said to be much sub- 
jected to rheumatism, and this position was taken as a preven- 
tative . . . Wagoners drove in all kinds of weather and the 
descent of a mountain or large hill was often attended with 
great danger, especially when it was covered with ice. The 
day's journey of a regular wagoner when heavily laden, was 
rather less than over 20 miles, and 100 miles in a week was a 
fair average . . . The average load hauled was about 6,000 
pounds for a six horse team. Sometimes four tons were put 
on, and even five tons which the wagoner boastfully called 'a 
hundred hundred,' were hauled, but these were rare excep- 
tions." Boucher's Century mid a half of Pittsburg. 



30 



Steamboats and River Traffic 

"Many travellers and emigrants to this region, view the 
first samples of the mode of travelling in the western world, 
on the Allegany at Oleanne point, or the Monongahela at 
Brownsville. These are but the retail specimens. At Pitts- 
burg, where these rivers unite, you have the thing in gross, 
and by wholesale. The first thing that strikes a stranger from 
the Atlantic, arrived at the boat-landing, is the singular, whim- 
sical, and amusing spectacle, of the varieties of water-craft, 
of all shapes and structures. There is the stately barge, of the 
size of a large Atlantic schooner, with its raised and outlandish 
looking deck . . . Next there is the keel-boat, of a long, slender, 
and elegant form, and generally carrying from fifteen to thirty 
tons . . . Next in order are the Kentucky flats, or in the vernacu- 
lar phrase, 'broad-horns,' a species of ark, very nearly re- 
sembling a New England pig-stye. They are fifteen feet wide, 
and from forty to one hundred feet in length, and carry from 
twenty to seventy tons. Some of them, that are called family- 
boats, and used by families in descending the river, are very 
large and roomy, and have comfortable and separate apart- 
ments, fitted up with chairs, beds, tables and stoves. It is 
no uncommon spectacle to see a large family, old and young, 
servants, cattle, hogs, horses, sheep, fowls, and animals of all 
kinds, bringing to recollection the cargo of the ancient ark, all 
embarked, and floating down on the same bottom. Then there 
are what the people call 'covered sleds,' or ferry-flats, and 
Allegany-skiffs, carrying from eight to twelve "tons. In an- 
other place are pirogues of from two to four tons burthen, 
hollowed sometimes from one prodigious tree, or from the 
trunks of two trees united, and a plank rim fitted to the upper 
part. There are common skiffs, and other small craft, named, 
from the manner of making them, 'dug-outs,' and canoes hol- 
lowed from smaller trees . . . You can scarcely imagine an ab- 
stract form in which a boat can be built, that in some part of 
the Ohio or Mississippi you will not see, actually in motion . . . 

This variety of boats, so singular in form, and most of 
them apparently so frail, is destined in many instances to 
voyages of from twelve hundred to three thousand miles.'* 
Flint's Recollections of the last ten years, 1826. 

31 



"I reached Olean, on the source of the Alleghany River, 
early in 1818, while the snow was yet upon the ground, and 
had to wait several weeks for the opening of that stream. I 
was surprised to see the crowd of persons, from various quar- 
ters, who had pressed to this point, waiting for the opening of 
the navigation. 

It was a period of general migration from the East to the 
West. Commerce had been checked for several years by the 
war with Great Britain. Agriculture had been hindered by the 
raising of armies, and a harassing warfare both on the sea- 
board and the frontiers ; and manufactures had been stimulated 
to an unnatural growth, only to be crushed by the peace. Spec- 
ulation had also been rife in some places, and hurried many 
gentlemen of property into ruin. Banks exploded, and paper 
money flooded the country. 

The fiscal crisis was indeed very striking. The very ele- 
ments seemed leagued against the interests of agriculture in the 
Atlantic States, where a series of early and late frosts, in 181 6 
and 181 7, had created quite a panic, which helped to settle the 
West. 

I mingled in this crowd, and, while listening to the antici- 
pations indulged in, it seemed to me that the war had not, in 
reality, been fought for 'free trade and sailors' rights' where it 
commenced, but to gain a knowledge of the world beyond the 
Alleghanies. 

Many came with their household stuff, which was to be 
embarked in arks and flat boats. The children of Israel could 
scarcely have presented a more motley array of men and 
women, with their 'kneading troughs' on their backs, and their 
'little ones,' than were there assembled, on their way to the 
new land of promise. 

To judge by the tone of general conversation, they meant, 
in their generation, to plough the Mississippi Valley from its 
head to its foot. There was not an idea short of it. What a 
world of golden dreams was there! 

I took passage on the first ark that attempted the descent for 
the season. This ark was built of stout planks, with the lower 
seams caulked, forming a perfectly flat basis on the water. It 
was about thirty feet wide and sixty long, with gunwales of 
some eighteen inches. Upon this was raised a structure of 
posts and boards about eight feet high, divided into rooms for 
cooking and sleeping, leaving a few feet space in front and 
rear, to row and steer. The whole was covered by a flat roof, 

32 



which formed a promenade, and near the front part of this 
deck were two long 'sweeps/ a species of gigantic oars, which 
were occasionally resorted to in order to keep the unwieldy 
vessel from running against islands or dangerous shores. 

We went on swimmingly, passing through the Seneca re- 
servation, where the picturesque costume of the Indians seen 
on shore served to give additional interest to scenes of the 
deepest and wildest character. Every night we tied our ark to 
a tree, and built a fire on shore. Sometimes we narrowly es- 
caped going over falls, and once encountered a world of labor 
and trouble by getting into a wrong channel. I made myself 
as useful and agreeable as possible to all. I had learned to 
row a skiff with dexterity during my residence on Lake Dun- 
more, and turned this art to account by taking the ladies ashore, 
as we floated on with our ark, and picked up specimens while 
they culled shrubs and flowers. In this way, and by lending 
a ready hand at the 'sweeps' and at the oars whenever there 
was a pinch, I made myself agreeable. The worst thing we 
encountered was rain, against which our rude carpentry was 
but a poor defence. We landed at everything like a town, and 
bought milk, and eggs, and butter. Sometimes the Seneca In- 
dians were passed, coming up stream in their immensely long 
pine canoes. There was perpetual novelty and freshness in this 
mode of wayfaring. The scenery was most enchanting. The 
river ran high, with a strong spring current, and the hills fre^ 
quently rose in most picturesque cliffs. 

1 8 1 8. I do not recollect the time consumed in this descent. 
We had gone about three hundred miles, when we reached 
Pittsburgh. It was the 28th of March when we landed at this 
place, which I remember because it was my birthday. And I 
here bid adieu to the kind and excellent proprietor of the ark, 
L. Pettiborne, Esq., who refused to receive any compensation 
for my passage, saying, prettily, that he did not know how they 
could have got along without me. 

I stopped at one of the best hotels, kept by a Mrs. McCul- 
lough, and, after visiting the manufactories and coal mines, 
hired a horse, and went up the Monongahela Valley, to explore 
its geology as high as Williamsport. The rich coal and iron 
beds of this part of the country interested me greatly ; I was 
impressed with their extent, and value, and the importance 
which they must eventually give to Pittsburgh. After return- 
ing from this trip, I completed my visits to the various work- 
shops and foundries, and to the large glass-works of Bakewell 
and of O'Hara. 

33 



I was now at the head of the Ohio River, which is formed 
by the junction of the Alleghany and Monongahela. My 
next step was to descend this stream; and, while in search 
of an ark on the borders of the Monongahela, I fell in with 
a Mr. Brigham, a worthy person from Massachusetts, who 
had sallied out with the same view. We took passage together 
on one of these floating houses, with the arrangements of which 
I had now become familiar. I was charmed with the Ohio; 
with its scenery, which was every moment shifting to the eye ; 
and with the incidents of such a novel voyage." Schoolcraft's 
Thirty years with the Indian tribes. 

"I have seen a pleasant anecdote of one of these (vessels, 
recorded in the Picture of Cincinnati, published at Cincin- 
nati,) she had entered a port in the Mediterranean, and when 
the captain presented his papers, the examining officer read in 
his clearance, Pittsburg, state of Pennsylvania, 'Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania,' said he, 'there is no such port; your papers 
must be forged; here is some deception or piracy; we shall 
detain your papers and ship till we see farther into this.' The 
American captain tried for some time, in vain, to convince him ; 
till by the aid of the American consul and a map, he reluctantly 
admitted the possibility of there being such a place, from which 
a ship could be navigated, although two thousand miles from 
ihe ocean." Palmer s Journal of travels in the United States, 
1818. 

"A company, stiled the 'Ohio steam boat company,' has 
lately been formed, who intend building steam boats to run 
between this place and the Falls of Ohio. The dimensions of 
the boats will be 100 feet keel and 20 feet beam. They con- 
template having two running this fall or winter, 181 5-6... 

This line of Steam Boats, though not attached to those 
belonging to the Mississippi Steam Boat Company, will form 
a chain of conveyance from New Orleans to this place, which 
must result very much to the advantage and prosperity of 
Pittsburgh and intermediate towns." Cramer's almanack, 18 16. 

"Steam-boat, ark, Kentucky, barge, and keel-boat build- 
ing, is carried on to a considerable extent. Sea vessels have 
been built here, but the navigation is too far from the sea, and 
attended with too much hazard for it to answer. The follow- 
ing vessels, besides steam-boats, have been built at Pittsburg 

34 



and on its rivers : ships, Pittsburg, Louisiana, General Butler, 
and Western Trader; brigs, Dean, Black Walnut, Mononga- 
hela Farmer, and Ann Jean; schooners, Amity, Alleghany, and 
Conquest, (navigator)." Palmer's Journal of travels in the 
United States and Canada, iSiy. 

"The steam-boat navigation, we are assured, is a losing 
concern. The newspapers have announced the hopes of our 
western citizens, and the editors now appear to be careful to 
conceal their disappointments. Two large vessels of this de- 
scription are lying near the Point, which have not justified 
public expectations. Captain French, of Brownsville, (fifty 
miles by water up the Monongahela and thirty-five by land) 
has built two vessels of this kind, which it is said have suc- 
ceeded best." Thomas's Travels through the western country 
in 1816. 

"The best mode perhaps in descending the Ohio, in time 
of low water, is in keel boats . . . Merchants are beginning to 
prefer this method for safety and expedition; and instead of 
purchasing boats and taking charge of them themselves, they 
get their goods freighted down from Pittsburgh in keel boats 
by the persons who make them, and who make it their business 
to be prepared, with good boats and experienced hands for 
such engagements." Cramer's Navigator, ■ 181/. 

"The manners of the boatmen are as strange as their lan- 
guage. Their peculiar way of life has given origin not only 
to an appropriate dialect, but to new modes of enjoyment, riot, 
and fighting. Almost every boat, while it lies in the harbour 
has one or more fiddles scraping continually aboard, to which 
you often see the boatmen dancing. There is no wonder that 
the way of life which the boatmen lead, in turn extremely in- 
dolent, and extremely laborious; for days together requiring 
little or no effort, and attended with no danger, and then on 
a sudden, laborious and hazardous, beyond Atlantic naviga- 
tion; generally plentiful as it respects food, and always so as 
it regards whiskey, should always have seductions that prove 
irresistible to the young people that live near the banks of the 
river . . . And yet with all these seductions for the eye and the 
imagination, no life is so slavish, none so precarious and dan- 
gerous. In no employment do the hands so wear out. After 
the lapse of so very short a period since these waters have been 

35 



navigated in this way, at every bend, and every high point of 
the river, you are almost sure to see, as you stop for a moment, 
indications of the 'narrow house;' the rude monument, the 
coarse memorial, carved on an adjoining tree by a brother 
boatman, which marks that an exhausted boatman there yielded 
his breath, and was buried." Flint's Recollections of the last 
ten years, 1826. 

"Three steamers were built at Pittsburgh in 181 6, the 
'Franklin,' one hundred and twenty-five tons, by Messrs. Shiras 
and Cromwell ; the 'Oliver Evans,' seventy-five tons, by George 
Evans ; and the 'Harriet,' forty tons, by a Mr. Armstrong of 
Williamsport, Pennsylvania. . .Up to 1816 grave doubts ex- 
isted as to the practicability of navigating the Ohio by steam- 
boats. A gentleman who in that year, with others, long 
watched the futile efforts of a stern wheeler to ascend the 
Horsetail ripple, five miles below Pittsburgh, afterwards wrote 
that the unanimous conclusion of the company was that 'such 
a contrivance might do for the Mississippi. . .but that we of 
Ohio must wait for some more happy century of invention.' " 
Magazine of western history, 1885. 



THE STEAMBOAT FRANKLIN 

"The elegant steam-boat Franklin, was launched from the 
shipyard at the Point, in this city, on Wednesday last." Mer- 
cury, April 20, 1816. 

"The Steam Boat Franklin, burden 140 tons, was launched 
from the Point Ship Yard, on Wednesday morning last. The 
Franklin is owned by a company of gentlemen in this city, and 
is intended as a regular trader between here and New Orleans. 
The engine for this boat is constructed on Bolton and Watt's 
plan, improved by Mr. Arthurs of this place." Gazette, April 
20, 1816. 

Maysville, Dec. 24, 1816. 

"The undersigned passengers in the Steam Boat Franklin, 
from Pittsburgh, feel it a just tribute due to the proprietors 
and captain, to express publicly their approbation of the very 
handsome manner in which they have been entertained. Her 
accommodations, speed and safety, as well as the polite atten- 

36 



tion of Captain Cromwell, are such as will always insure a 
decided preference. 

Chas. Savage, Massachusetts. 
]. P. Cambridge, M. D. Philadelphia. 
Tho. Sloo, Cincinnati. 
John Trimble, Kentucky. 
Geo. P. Turrence, Cincinnati. 
Robert J- Baron, London. 
W. R. Ord, London. 
Louis Caenon, France. 
]. W. Simonton, Philadelphia. 
Daniel Lewis, Nezv York. 

The beautiful Steam Boat above named passed by this 
place on Tuesday last." Commonwealth, Jan. 6, 1817. 

INTERESTING TO THE WESTERN PUBLIC 

"On the 30th December, the steamboat Oliver Evans, de- 
parted from this city for New-Orleans, laden with about forty 
tons freight and forty passengers, and drew but thirty inches 
water, which is without doubt less than ever known . . . Her 
length is one hundred and twenty feet and beam fourteen feet 
nine inches. She ascended the Allegheny when it was high 
and rapid, at the rate of five miles per hour, and passed over 
the ripple at Wainright's island, at such a rate as to cause peo- 
ple on the shore to walk, briskly, to keep pace with her, and 
there remains no doubt but that she is much the fastest vessel 
ever exhibited here." Mercury, Jan. 4, i8iy. 

THE STEAMBOAT HARRIET 

"We had, on Tuesday last, the pleasure of a sail in the new 
steam boat Harriett of Pittsburgh, owned by Mr. Joshua 
Armitage. She is designed as a regular trader between this 
place and New-Orleans. She is supposed to carry forty to 
sixty tons. Her engine and machinery were built by Mr. J. 
Arthurs. They are simple in their construction, and proved 
very complete in their operation. She ascended the Allegheny, 
which was high and rapid, at about the rate of three miles an 
hour ; and ascended the rapid ripple at Wainright's island, with 
perfect ease. — We feel happy in being able to announce this 
effort of individual enterprize. It is the harbinger of the gen- 
eral introduction of steam boat navigation on the western 
waters — and the day is not far distant when individuals as 

37 



well as companies will embark in such useful improvements." 
Mercury, Dec. 14, 1816. 

THE STEAMBOAT DISPATCH 

Stubenville, May 31, 1816. 
"The steam boat Dispatch, Capt. Bruce, arrived at this 
place on Tuesday evening last about 6 o'clock, from Cincinnati, 
and departed next morning for Pittsburgh. — This is the same 
boat that the Kentucky papers made so much noise about as 
having been stopped and ordered off from New-Orleans with- 
out a cargo, by the agents of Fulton and Livingston. The 
Dispatch is a remarkable sailor, having beat the Aetna seven 
days in the run from Natchez to the Falls. She made her 
passage in 24 days, while the Aetna was 31 days. — The Dis- 
patch has 24 passengers on board from Cincinnati, and has 
been 10 da5^s on her passage from Cincinnati to Stubenville. 
Capt. Bruce reports that in his passage from Natchez to the 
Falls he counted over 2000 boats floating down the river, and 
this in the day time only ; others might have passed him in the 
night which he did not observe." Mercury, May 11, 18 16. 

THE STEAMBOAT VESUVIUS 

"We are sorry to state that the beautiful Steam Boat Vesu- 
vius, launched about two years ago at this place, has been 
burned to the water's edge, at New-Orleans. The Vesuvius 
was freighted with a valuable cargo of dry goods and other 
commodities. The fire broke out about 12 o'clock the night 
previous to her intended departure. As she lay in the middle 
of the stream, no assistance could be afforded her, and all the 
property on board fell a prey to the flames." Commonwealth, 
Aug. 6, 18 16. 

THE TRANS-ATLANTIC STEAMER 

"We are on the eve of one of the greatest experiments, 
which has been undertaken during the present age. A Steam 
boat is about to brave the Atlantic, and cross from N. Y. to 
Russia. The consequences of this enterprize who will predict? 
It may open a new aera in the art of navigation. It may dis- 
pense with the lagging and variable agency of winds and 
waves. It may bring the two worlds nearer together — it may 
shorten the passage from 25 to 15 days. A first experiment 
is everything, who does not wish it success ?" Gazette, Aug. 2^, 
1816. 

38 



"We have heard it doubted (says the Virginia Patriot) 
whether the steam-boat soon to leave New York for Russia, 
will have sails ; or those who go in it will venture to trust them- 
selves to the efficacy of steam alone. If without sails (though 
Columbus deserves more credit,) those who first cross the 
Atlantic in a steam-boat will be entitled to a great portion of ap- 
plause. In a few years we expect such trips will be common 

Bold was the man, the first who dared to brave, 

In fragile bark, the wild, perfidious wave: 

and bold will they be who first make a passage to Europe in 
a steam boat. Jason crept along by the shore : Not so these 
adventurers : they will have 

No port to cheer them on the restless wave." 

Gazette, Sept. j, 1816. 



39 



Ferries and Bridges 

"Between 1764 and 1819 the only means of crossing these 
streams, at Pittsburg, was by way of ferries. The first of 
these, it is beHeved, was operated from the foot of Ferry 
street, Pittsburg to the opposite shore, and this was the origin 
of the name 'Ferry street' . . . Early in the nineteenth century 
a ferry was established from the mouth of Liberty street, called 
'Jones Ferry.' Foot passengers desiring to cross the river 
employed skiffs, while stock was taken over on flat-boats. 
Such boats were pushed by means of poles, at low stages of 
water, and by oars in high water periods. " Boucher's Century 
and a half of Pittsburg. 

"The Subscriber respectfully informs his friends and the 
public in general, that he intends opening a new Ferry on the 
Monongahela River, where he now lives, a few steps East of 
the mouth of Wood-street, which will co-operate with Mr. 
Beltzhoover's new house on the opposite side of the river, 
kept by Mr. Robert Wilson. He has been careful to provide 
himself with good new crafts, and also good trusty ferrymen. 
He expects to be able to give general satisfaction to those who 
may please to favor him with their custom. As he is deter- 
mined there shall be no detention at the ferry, those wishing 
to cross the river on the evening before the Market-day can 
be accommodated with storeage for their marketing free of 
charge. He intends keeping a supply of the best Liquors. He 
flatters himself that his strict attention to business will insure 
him a sufficient supply of the public patronage. 

Wm. Ralston, 
Pittsburgh, March 20. 

N. B. Those wishing to take their Ferrage by the year, can 
have an opportunity of engaging with him at any time. 

W. R." 
Commomvealthj March 20, 1816. 

STEAM. BOAT FERRY 

A meeting will be held at E. Carr's Tavern, in Water 
Street, on Wednesday evening, 3d April, at 7 o'clock, on or- 

40 



ganizing a Company to establish a Steam Ferry, — Those per- 
sons interested in preserving the present advantages of the 
western section of the City from being wrested out of their 
hands, by the injudicious scite chosen by the Legislature for 
the Monongahela Bridge, are particularly requested to attend. 
Gazette, March ^o, 1816. 

"The first steps taken towards the erection of bridges at 
Pittsburgh were as early as 1 810. A charter was granted by 
the Legislature on the 20th of March of that year for two 
bridges, one over the Monongahela and the other over the Al- 
legheny; but circumstances interfered to prevent their erec- 
tion for several years. The bridge charter was allowed to 
lapse, but a new one was granted by the Legislature February 
17, 181 6, which was signed by the governor May 31, 18 16. 
A company organized under this charter July 8, 1816. The 
bridges were constructed and opened to the public for traffic, 
the Monongahela in 1818 and the Allegheny in 1820." War- 
ner's History of Allegheny county. 

At an election held on the loth instant for officers for the 
Monongahela Bridge Company, the following persons were 
unanimously elected : 

President — Wm. Wilkins. 

Managers. 

James Ross, Oliver Ormsby, David Pride, Christian Lat- 
shaw, George Anshutz, Thomas Baird, Wm. M'Candless, Philip 
Gilland, James S. Stevenson, Benj. Page, Jacob Beltzhoover, 
Fred'k Wendt. 

Treasurer — John Thaw 
Clerk — John Thaw 

C ommmonzvealth, June 2^, 18 16. 



41 



The Newspapers 

THE PITTSBURGH GAZETTE 

Printed by John Scull, corner of Market and Front Streets. 
The Gazette was published every Saturday morning at three 
dollars per annum. Later in the year the Gazette was published 
on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

"On the 1st of August, 1816, John Scull, the veteran edi- 
tor, relinquished the publication of the Pittsburg Gazette. He 
was succeeded by Morgan Neville in the editorship of that 
journal, and his son, John I. Scull, became associated with Mr. 
Neville." Wilson's History of Pittsburg. 

" 'The Pittsburgh Gazette' under the original proprietor, 
Mr. John Scull, was the first establishment of the kind, west of 
the mountains. On its first appearance, it was viewed as a 
meteor of the moment, whose existence would terminate with 
the second or third number; and the idea of deriving a sub- 
sistence from its publication, was classed among the chimeras 
of a too sanguine temper. Our country was then a 'howling 
wilderness,' and the Ohio, whose fair bosom is now covered 
with the 'white sails of commerce,' was then disturbed only by 
the yell of the savage, who lay ambushed on its bank, or glided 
over its surface, in his solitary canoe. But these obstacles, 
though disheartening, were not sufficient to destroy the enter- 
prize of the Editor. He had turned his back on civilization 
and comforts of his native place; he had deliberately subjected 
himself to the inconveniences of emigration, and his was not 
the ardour to be damped at the outset . . . He became a citizen 
of Pittsburgh, when it was little more than an Indian village; 
his interests grew with its growth ; he saw it rise into a manu- 
facturing town; he has heard it emphatically called the 'Bir- 
mingham of America ;' and finally, he has the triumphant satis- 
faction, of beholding in his own days, the village of the desert, 
changed into the city of the west. He has succeeded even be- 
yond his expectations ; he has run his moderate, unostentatious 
course. The patronage he has received, was sufficient for his 
desires; his editorial life here ends; with feelings acutely 

42 



sensible of the favors he has received, he now rehnquishes to 
his son and successor the 'Pittsburgh Gazette/ unstained by 
corruption, and free from venahty, but ever firm, he trusts, in 
supporting our palladium, the freedom of the Press." Gazette, 
Aug. 9, 1816. 

THE COMMONWEALTH 

Printed every Tuesday morning by C. Colerick for S. 
Douglas & Co. in Diamond Alley, between Market and Wood 
Streets. 

THE PITTSBURGH MERCURY 

" 'The Pittsburgh Mercury,' is published every Saturday, at 
the new brick building, in Liberty-street, at the head of Wood- 
street, opposite the Octagon Church ; where the subscribers, 
advertising customers, and other friends of the establishment, 
are respectfully invited to call." Mercury, Oct. ip, 1816. 

"The kind of news material found in the columns of papers 
of those days is entirely different from the style of material 
found today. Local news is rarely ever given in the papers of 
an early day. As a rule the subscriber read but one paper and 
local news could be handed around by gossip from one neigh- 
bor to another, and what the subscriber demanded in his paper 
was foreign news that he could gain in no other way. The 
founding of new enterprises, marriages, or deaths of prominent 
citizens, etc. found no place in the pioneer newspaper. Euro- 
pean news necessarily nearly two months old, long articles on 
the management of public affairs, controversies carried on 
from week to week between rival exponents on different theo- 
ries, essays on morality and amateur poetry, fill up the columns 
of nearly all the early newspapers of Western Pennsylvania . . . 
Their value to those who would learn of early local history is 
found chiefly in the advertisements and from these . . . one may 
gather some important information concerning Pittsburg's 
early days." Boucher s Cvntury and a half of Pittsburg. 



43 



Churches 

First Presbyterian Church 

"In [1785] a bill was introduced into the Legislative As- 
sembly, at Philadelphia, to incorporate a 'Presbyterian Congre- 
gation in Pittsburgh, at this time under the care of the Rev. 
Samuel Barr,' which, after much delay, was finally passed on 
the twenty-ninth of September, 1787. The Penns gave the site 
for this church . . . 

In the Spring of 181 1 Reverend Francis Herron became the 
pastor of the First Church, which the year before had had a 
membership of sixty-five. Dr. Herron's salary was six hun- 
dred dollars per annum. For thirty-nine years he labored 
ceaselessly and wisely for the church and congregation. In 
1 81 7 the church was enlarged, and the membership steadily 
increased." Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh. 

Second Presbyterian Church 

'■'The Second Presbyterian Church was organized ... in 
1804, by those members of the First Church to whom the 
methods used, regarding the services in the First Church, 
were unsatisfactory. The next year Dr. Nathaniel Snowden 
took charge of the congregation which worshiped ... in the 
Court House and other places, public and private. Dr. John 
Boggs came, but remained only a short time. He was re- 
placed by the Rev. Mr. Hunt, in 1809. The first edifice, on 
Diamond alley, near Smithfield street, was built in 1814." 
Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh. 

East Liberty Presbyterian Church 

"Mr. Jacob Negley, whose wife had been a Miss Wine- 
biddle, and consequently, inherited much real estate, controlled 
practically what is now known as East Liberty Valley, in the 
■early days, called Negleystown. He was largely instrumental 
... in erecting a small frame school building at what subse- 
quently became the corner of Penn and South Highland ave- 
nues. This was for the accommodation of the children of the 
district, as well as his own. It was ... a long distance to the 

44 



then established churches, and Mr. Negley very often, for the 
benefit of the neighborhood, invited some minister passing 
through, or one from one of the other churches, to preach in 
his own house and later in the school house. In 1819 the little 
school house was torn down to make way for a church build- 
ing." Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh. 

Reformed Presbyterian Church 

"The First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg, 
long afterwards known as the 'Oak Alley Church,' was or- 
ganized in 1799. Rev. John Black, an Irishman of consider- 
able intellectual force, who had been graduated from the Uni- 
versity of Glasgow, was its first pastor . . . He included, in his 
ministry, all societies of the same persuasion in Western Penn- 
sylvania. He preached here until his death on October 25, 
1849." Boucher s Century and a half of Pittsburg. 

Roman Catholic Church 

"The number of Catholics prior to 1800, in what is now 
Allegheny county, must have been very small. They were 
visited occasionally by missionaries traveling westward... 
[These] priests, ministering to a few scattered families, cele- 
brating Mass in private houses, fill up the long interval be- 
tween the chapel of the 'Assumption of the Blessed Virgin of 
the Beautiful River' in Fort Duquesne, and 'Old St. Patrick's 
Church,' which was begun in 1808. 

Rev. Wm. F. X. O'Brien, the first pastor, was ordained in 
Baltimore, 1808, and came to Pittsburg in November of the 
same year, and at once devoted himself to the erection of . . . 
'Old St. Patrick's.' It stood at the corner of Liberty and 
Washington streets, at the head of Eleventh street, in front 
of the new llnion Station. . .The structure was of brick, plain 
in design and modest in size, about fifty feet in length and 
thirty in width. Rt. Rev. Michael Egan dedicated the Church 
in August 181 1, and the dedication was the occasion of the first 
visit of a Bishop to this part of the State." St. Paul's Cathe- 
dral record. 

Protestant Episcopal Church 

"The building of the first Trinity Church was begun about 
the time it was organized and chartered, 1805. It occupied a 
triangular lot at the corner of Sixth, Wood and Liberty streets. 

45 



It was built in an oval form that it might more nearly conform 
to the shape of the three cornered lot and for this reason was 
generally known as the 'round church.' Rev. Taylor in his 
latter years became known as 'Father' Taylor. He remained 
with the church as its rector until 1817, when he resigned." 
Boucher's Century and a half of Pittsburg. 

First German United Evangelical Protestant Church 

"When John Penn, jr., and John Penn presented land to the 
Presbyterian and Episcopal churches of Pittsburgh they, at the 
same time, deeded the same amount to the already organized 
German Evangelical congregation ; the land given to them was 
bounded by Smithfield street, Sixth avenue, Miltenberger and 
Strawberry alleys. No church was built on this grant, how- 
ever, until some time between 1791-94, and it was of logs. 
This was. . .replaced in 1833 by a large brick building, which 
had the distinction of a cupola, in which the first church bell 
in Pittsburgh was hung." Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh. 

Methodist Episcopal Church 

"In June, 18 10, a lot was purchased for the first [Meth- 
odist] church built in the city. It was situated on Eront street, 
now First street, nearly opposite. . .the present Monongahela 
House. The erection of a church was commenced at once, for 
on August 26th of that year Bishop Asbury preached on the 
foundation of it. His journal says : 'Preached on the founda- 
tion of the new chapel to about five hundred souls. I spoke 
again at 5 o'clock to about twice as many. The society here 
is lively and increasing in numbers.' The building was a plain 
brick structure, 30 x 40 feet. We do not know certainly when 
it was completed, but probably in the autumn of 18 10. 

In this church the society continued to worship in peace 
and prosperity for eight years. But near the close of this period 
it had become too small, and a new and larger one became a 
necessity. Consequently, in May, 181 7, three lots were pur- 
chased on the corner of Smithfield and Seventh streets, and 
the erection of a larger church commenced. It was completed 
the following year." Warner's History of Allegheny county. 

Baptist Church 

"The first church of this denomination in Pittsburg was 
organized in April, 1812, when the city had about five thousand 

46 



people. It was an independent organization and included about 
SIX families with perhaps not more than twelve people in all 
who had come from New England. The chief organizer and 
pastor was Rev. Edward Jones, also from New England. The 
society was too poor then to build a church, but worshiped in 
private houses and in rented halls." Boucher's Century and a 
half of Pittsburg. 



A7 



Schools 

"Robert Steele, who afterward became a Presbyterian 
preacher, opened a school in Pittsburg in January, 1803, at his 
house on Second street. . . His rates were four dollars per quar- 
ter. In 1803, a teacher named Carr opened a school for both 
boys and girls. The next year he advertised that his school 
was moved to larger quarters over Dubac's store, where he 
probably taught till 1808, when he opened a boarding school 
for boys. In 1818 he removed his school to Third street where 
Mrs. Carr 'instructed young ladies in a separate room in the 
usual branches, and in all kinds of needle work.' William 
Jones began a school in 1804, and charged but tv/o dollars per 
quarter for tuition. In February, 1808, Samuel Kingston 
opened a school in a stone house on Second street ... A teacher 
named Graham opened a school on Second street, using the 
room formerly occupied by Mr. Kingston, in which he pro- 
posed to give his pupils an English and classical education on 
moderate terms. The advertisement stated that Mrs. Graham 
would at the same time open a school for 'young ladies' in an 
adjoining room, and that she would instruct them in all 
branches of an English education and in needle work. In iSii 
Thomas Hunt opened a school 'for the instruction of females 
exclusively.' The hours he advertised were from 8 to 12 a. m., 
and from 2 to 5 p. m. ... In the same year this advertisement 
appears : 'Messrs. Chute and Noyes' evening school commences 
the first of October next. They also propose on Sabbath morn- 
ing, the 22 instant, to open a Sunday morning school to com- 
mence at the hour of eight a. m., and continue until ten. They 
propose to divide the males and females into separate depart- 
ments. The design of the school is to instruct those who wish 
to attend, the Catechism and hear them read the Holy Scrip- 
tures. No pecuniary compensation is desired, a consciousness 
of doing good will be an ample reward.' In 181 2 John Brevost 
opened a French school, and with his wife and daughter opened 
a boarding school in connection with it in 1814. Their terms 
were, 'for reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar, his- 
tory and geography, with the use of maps, globes, etc., $8.00 
quarterly. Playing on the piano, $10.00 quarterly; vocal 
music, $5.00 quarterly. Drawing and painting of flowers,. 

48 



$6.oo quarterly. French language, $5.00 quarterly. Boarding 
$37.00, payable in advance. Dancing, books, materials, draw- 
ing, sewing, bed and bedding to be paid for separately or fur- 
nished by parents.' Mrs. Gazzam had opened a seminary for 
young ladies by this time, and advertised its removal to Fifth 
street. Her pupils were instructed in the elementary studies of 
an English education, and in needle work at four dollars per 
quarter. She taught them to cut, make and repair their clothes. 
The pupils were permitted to visit their homes once each week, 
but no young men were allowed to visit them unless attended 
by a servant. She boarded them for $125 per year. The two 
sisters, Miss Anna and Arabella Watts, instructed young ladies 
solely in needle work. In almost all schools needle work was a 
requisite part of the education of young women. In fact it 
was considered the all important part of a woman's training 
and not infrequently other branches were taught if required, 
or if thought necessary." Boucher's Century and a half of 
Pittsburg. 

CITY ACADEMY 

"The subscriber, respectfully informs his fellow citizens, 
and others, that he has happily secured the co-operation of Mr. 
Edward Jones — hopes their most sanguine expectations, rela- 
tive to his seminary, will be fully justified. 

All the most important branches of education, taught as in 
the best academies, on either side the Atlantick. — Mathematics 
in general, as in the city of Edinburgh. — During four years, 
the subscriber taught the only Mathematical school in the capi- 
tal of New-Hampshire. 

A class of young gentlemen will shortly commence the 
study of Navigation, Gunnery, Bookkeeping, Geography and 
English grammar. George Forrester." Mercury, May 18, 
1816. 

THE LANCASTER SCHOOL, 

"Will continue at the room where it is now kept in Market 
street. In addition to the common branches of reading, orthog- 
raphy, etc., the teacher gives lessons in English grammar, 
geography and Book-keeping. Penmanship is taught on a 
most approved system at all hours. 

To those who are acquainted with this mode of instructing 
children, its superior excellence need not be pointed out, and 
such as have never seen a school on this plan in actual opera- 

49 



tion, and are not intimately conversant with its theory, are in- 
vited (if they have the curiosity) to visit the institution in 
Market street; where, although the number of pupils is small, 
yet the school will afford a sufficient illustration of the Lan- 
caster system to convince the most incredulous that 500 or 
even 1000 pupils by the aid of this wonderful invention, may 
be taught with prodigious facility by a single teacher." Com- 
monzvealth, April s, 18 16. 

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 

"The first charter to an institution of learning west of the 
mountains granted by the legislature of Pennsylvania, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1787, created the Pittsburg Academy. The school 
was in existence earlier than this . . . 

The principals of the academy from the very beginning 
were men of high attainments, some of them attaining great 
distinction. George Welch, the first principal, took office 
April 13, 1789. Rev. Robert Steele, pastor of the First Pres- 
byterian Church, Rev. John Taylor, Mr. Hopkins and James 
Mountain successively were at the head of the academy. From 
1807 to 181 o. Rev. Robert Patterson, of excellent fame, suc- 
cessfully carried on the work. He was succeeded in the latter 
year by Rev. Joseph Stockton, author of the 'Western Cal- 
culator' and 'Western Spelling Book,' who continued in office 
until the re-incorporation of the academy as the Western Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, in 1819." Boucher's Century and a 
half of Pittsburg. 

Libraries 

'Tt was not. . .until the fall of 181 3, that the question of a 
community Library took definite shape, when in response to 
the efforts 'of many leading and progressive citizens,' there 
was organized 'The Pittsburgh Library Company.' On the 
evening of November 27, 181 3, about 40 representative people 
assembled in the spacious 'bar room' of the 'Green Tree Inn,' 
at the northwest corner of Fifth and Wood streets, where the 
First National Bank now stands, and took the initiative in the 
formation of Pittsburgh's first real public library ... Its first 
president was the Rev. Francis Herron, for 40 years pastor of 
the First Presbyterian Church. The secretary was Aquila M. 
Bolton, 'land broker and conveyancer.' The treasurer was Col. 
John Spear . . . Quite a sum of money was subscribed by citi- 
zens generally for the purchase of books, while many valuable 

so 



volumes were either contributed or loaned by members. Messrs. 
Baldwin, O'Hara, Wilkins and Forward being especially men- 
tioned for their generosity in this connection. The first head- 
quarters of the library were in rooms 'on Second street, op- 
posite Squire Robert Graham's office,' who at that time dis- 
pensed even handed justice at the northeast corner of Market 
and Second streets. Here the library remained until the county 
commissioners set aside a commodious room in the Court 
House for its use." A. L. Hardy, in Gazette-Times, 191 3. 

"The triennial meeting of the shareholders [of the Pitts- 
burgh Library Company] was convened at their new library 
room, in Second street, opposite Squire Graham's office, at 
six o'clock, Monday evening, December thirtieth, 181 6. The 
following gentlemen were then elected by ballot to serve as a 
Board of Directors for the ensuing three years, viz: George 
Poe, president; Aquila M. Bolton, secretary; Lewis Bollman, 
treasurer; James Lea, Benjamin Bakewell, Robert Patterson, 
Walter Forward, Alexander Johnson, jr., William Eichbaum, 
jr., Benjamin Page, Alexander McClurg, J. P. Skelton, 
Ephraim Pentland, Charles Avery, J. R. Lambdin, directors." 
Killikelly's History of Pittsburgh. 

"It has been published, that the Library of this city con- 
tains two thousand volumes. Through the politeness of J. 
Armstrong, the librarian, I gained admittance, and having ex- 
amined the catalogue, am enabled to state that the whole collec- 
tion is only about five hundred volumes. The books, however, 
are well chosen, and of the best editions. How the error origi- 
nated is of no consequence except to him who made it." 
Thomas s Travels through the western country in 18 16. 

The New Books of 1816 

Austen. Emma. Moore. Elegy on Sheridan. 
Byron. Childe Harold (Canto III). Irish melodies. 

The dream. Peacock. Headlong Hall. 

Hebrew melodies. Scott. Antiquary. 

Parisina. Black dwarf. 

Prisoner of Chillon. Guy Mannering. 

Siege of Corinth. Lord of the Isles. 

Coleridge. Christabel. Old Mortality. 

Crabbe. Dictionary of English Shelley. Alastor. 

synonymes. Southey. Carmen triumphale. 

D'Israeli. Character of James I. Wordsworth. Poems. 
Goethe. Italianische reise. White doe of Rylstone. 

Hunt. A story of Rimini. 

SI 



The Theatre 

"There were in 1808 two dramatic societies in Pittsburg 
that were important enough to receive notice in the newspapers. 
The one was composed of law students and young lawyers 
and the other was composed of mechanics. The object of 
these societies was to study the poets and dramatic literature 
and to give public performances in the court house. William 
Wilkins . . . was a member and took a leading part in the enter- 
tainments given by these societies. There was no way for 
theatrical companies from the East to reach Pittsburg prior to 
181 7, save by the state road, which was scarcely passable for 
a train of pack horses, yet they came even as early as 1808 
and performed in a small room, which was secured for them 
when the court room was occupied. In 181 2 a third dramatic 
society called the Thespian Society was organized among the 
young men and young women of Pittsburg. 

The society numbered among its members the brightest and 
best bred young people of the city, most of whom took part 
in each performance. They were given in a room on Wood 
street, in a building known as Masonic Hall." Boucher's Cen- 
tury and a half of Pittsburg. 

"The Theatre of this City has been now opened nearly a 
fortnight, and the managers although they have used every 
exertion to please, in the selection of their pieces, have not been 
enabled to pay the contingent expenses of the House. This is 
a severe satire on the taste of the place. 

Tomorrow [Wednesday] evening we understand that the 
'Stranger' is to be produced — we hope under auspices more 
favorable to the managers than heretofore. The part of the 
Stranger is to be performed by a Young Gentleman of the City, 
who has never before graced the Boards. — If report speaks 
correctly of his talents, he bids fair to excel any person who 
has yet appeared upon the stage on this side the Mountains. 
It is hoped that this novelty, together with the correct and 
manly acting of Mr. Savage, a stranger here, and the chastened 
elegance which Mrs. Savage is said to exhibit, will attract to 
the Theatre, for this one evening at least, the friends to this 
rational amusement." Commonwealth, Nov. 12, 1816. 

52 



THEATRE 

On Friday evening, June 7, will be presented, Shakespear's 
celebrated comedy, in 3 acts called 

Catharine & Petruchio 

after which, a much admired comic opera called 

The Highland Reel. 

For particulars, see bills. 

And, that every person should have the opportunity of seeing 
the most splendid spectacle ever exhibited in Pittsburgh, on 
Saturday evening, June 8, will be presented, the grand romantic 
drama, called 

Timour the Tartar ; 

or, the 

Princess of Mingrelia. 

Which will positively be the last time, of its being per- 
formed, as the scenery will be appropriated to other purposes. 
With other Entertainments. 

For particulars, see box bills. 

"A few days after the performance of Hamlet, Mr. Ent- 
wistle, the manager, had for his benefit, that irresistibly amus- 
ing burlesque, 'Hamlet Travestie.' His line of acting is a 
broad-farce caricature of that of Liston. He personated the 
modern Danish prince. The audience were solemn, serious, 
and dull. The affecting entrance of the deranged Ophelia, 
who, instead of rosemary, rue, &c. had an ample supply of 
turnips and carrots, did not move a muscle of their intelligent 
faces — the ladies, indeed, excepted, who evinced by the fre- 
quent use of their pocket handkerchiefs, that their sympathies 
were engaged on the side of the love-sick maiden. Some who 
had seen the original Hamlet for the first time a few evenings 
before, gave vent to their criticisms when the curtain fell. They 
thought Mr. Entwistle did not look sufficiently grave; and 
that, as it was his benefit, he acted very dishonourably in shav- 
ing (cheating) them out of two acts; for that they guessed 
when Mr. Hutton played that' ere king's mad son, he gave them 

five acts for their dallar. Mr. assured me that on the 

following morning, a respectable lawyer of Pittsburgh met 
him, and said, T was at the play last night, Sir, and do not 
think that Mr. Entwistle acted Hamlet quite so well as Mr. 
Hutton.' " Fearon's Sketches of America, 18 18. 

S3 



THEATRE 
Thespian Society 

The Public are respectfully informed that on this evening, 
Jan. 14th, will be presented the much admired Drama, called 

the 
Man of Fortitude. 
The proceeds to be appropriated to the benefit of the Sun- 
day Male Charitable School. 

Recitation, Alonzo the brave or the fair Imogen. 

Song, I have loved thee, dearly loved thee. — Mrs. Menier. 

, America, Commerce and Freedom. 

After zvhich the much admired Farce, called, 

The Review, 

Or, the 

Wag of Windsor. 

Doors to be opened at half past 5 o'clock, and the curtain 
to rise at half past six. Box, one dollar; Pit, Fifty cents. 

"A citizen of Pittsburgh, and a lover of the useful and 
rational amusement of the Theatre, begs leave to observe to 
his fellow citizens, that on Monday evening next Mr. Alex- 
ander will stand forward for public recompense, for his exer- 
tions in his profession ... It must be readily acknowledged that 
no young gentleman of more transcendant talent ever graced 
the dramatic floor of Pittsburgh ; it is, therefore, but just that 
he who has so often made us smile, should from us receive 
a something to make him smile in turn." Commonzvealth, 
Nov. 4, 1815. 

"The Theatre in this city is now opened by the Thespian 
Society, for the double purpose of gratifying the public taste 
by a moral and rational amusement and adding to the funds 
of the Male Charitable Sunday School. The Man of Fortitude 
and the Farce of the Review have been selected for representa- 
tion this evening. Since society has been released from the 
chains of superstition, the propriety of Theatrick amusements 
has not been doubted by any man of liberal feelings and en- 
lightened understanding. . .The stage conveys a moral in 
colours more vivid than the awful and elevated station of the 
preacher permits him to use^it is his coadjutor in good, and 
goes with him hand in hand exposing vice to ridicule and 
honouring virtue." Gazette, Jan. 14, 18 17. 

54 



The Morals Efficiency Society of 1816 

"The Moral Society of Pittsburgh announce to the public 
their formation. The object of their association is the suppres- 
sion of vice and immorahty, as far as their influence shall 
extend, and they shall be authorized by the laws of the com- 
monwealth, and the ordinances of this city. . . 

We hereby give this public information of our intention to 
aid the civil officers in the execution of the laws of this com- 
monwealth, and the ordinances of the city, against all vice and 
crime cognizable by said laws and ordinances. Such as pro- 
fane swearing, gambling ; horse racing, irregular tipling houses 
and drunkenness, profanation of the Lord's day by unnecessary 
work of any kind, such as driving of waggons, carts, carriages 
of pleasure and amusement, or other conveyances not included 
under the exception of the laws of the commonwealth in case 
of necessity and mercy." Commonzvealth, Nov. 26, 18 16. 

Fourth of July, 1816 

"A numerous and respectable concourse of citizens met at 
Hog Island, nearly opposite the village of Middletown, on the 
Ohio river, to celebrate the birth day of American independ- 
ence. Colonel James Martin, was nominated president, and 
Captain Robert Vance, vice-president. — The utmost harmony 
and unanimity prevailed ; and it was a pleasing sight to see 
citizens of opposite political sentiments, bury their former 
animosity, and with great cordiality join in celebrating the 
American anniversary. After performing the manual exer- 
cise, the company partook of an elegant dinner, prepared for 
the occasion, and the cloth being removed . . . patriotic toasts 
were drank with great hilarity, accompanied by the discharge 
of musketry, and appropriate music . . . 

The citizens retired at a late hour in the utmost harmony." 
Mercury, July 20, 1816. 

Police 

"When the borough was incorporated into a city [March 
1816], the act incorporating it authorized the authorities to 

55 



establish a police force, but there was none established for 
some years afterwards. The act limited the city taxation to 
five mills on a dollar, and the corporation could scarcely have 
paid a police force, even if one had been required. The city 
authorities did, however, pass an ordinance on August 24, 1816, 
establishing a night watchman, but soon found they had no 
money with which to pay "him. They accordingly repealed 
the ordinance and for some years the city slept in darkness with- 
out the benefit of police protection." Boucher's Century and a 
half of Pittsburg. 

Eagle Fire Company 

*Tn 181 1 the second epoch in the company's history may 
be said to have started, the younger element having gradually 
crept in and assumed control of affairs, and the older men had 
to some extent lost interest and perhaps gained rheumatism in 
the fire service. The company was now re-organized on a 
more active and vigorous basis. The first engineer to take 
charge under the new regime was William Eichbaum, who 
continued to act in that capacity until 1832, when he was elected 
First Chief Engineer of the Fire Department on its organiza- 
tion ... 

In the company organization the most important duty de- 
volved upon the Bucket Committee. Every citizen was re- 
quired to keep two or three heavy leather buckets with his 
name painted on them, and in case of fire these were all brought 
on the ground. Two lines of men and women were formed to 
the water supply, to pass the full buckets to and the empty 
ones from the engine. . .When the fire was extinguished all 
the buckets were left on the ground till next day. Then, as 
many of the inscriptions were obliterated, there was some steal- 
ing of buckets and consequent fights. Certain folks . . . picked 
out the best buckets, just as in modern times some people 
get the best hats, or umbrellas, at the conclusion of a party. 
The Bucket Committee, to put a stop to this, decided to de- 
liver all buckets to their respective owners." Dawson's Our 
firemen. 

Water-Supply 

"The water supply was gained, up to 1802, from wells and 
springs which flowed from out the hillsides, these being suf- 
ficient for a small town. An ordinance passed August 9, of 

56 



that year, called for the making of four wells, not less than 
forty-seven feet in depth. Three of these were to be located 
on Market street, and were to be walled with stone. . .Wells, 
with the springs at Grant's Hill, furnished the supply of water 
for public use until 1826." Boucher's Century and a half of 
Pittsburg. 



Banks 

"As early as the year 181 5, there were only three banks in 
Pittsburgh; viz., the Bank of Pennsylvania, located on the 
north side of Second Avenue, between Chancery Lane and 
Ferry Street ; Bank of Pittsburg, south-west corner of Market 
and Third Streets; Farmers and Mechanics' Bank, north side 
of Third, between Wood and Market Streets, — the aggregate 
capital amounting to less than two million dollars, which was 
considered abundantly adequate to the business of that period." 
Parke's Recollections of seventy years. 

The Bank of Pittsburgh is situated on the s. w. corner of 
Market and Third streets. 

President, 
William Wilkins, 

Directors, 

George Anchutz, Jun. Thos. Cromwell 

Nicholas Cunningham • John Darragh 

William Hays Wm. McCandless 

James Morrison John M. Snowden 

Craig Ritchie (Cannonsbr'g) George Allison 

James Brown (baker) T. P. Skelton 

Cashier 
Alexander Johnston, Jun. 

Open daily from 9 o'clock a. m. till 3 p. m., except Sunday, 
Fourth of July, Christmas and Fast days. Discount day, 
Wednesday. Capital $600,000. Shares $50 each. Dividends, 
first Mondays in May and November. Pittsburgh directory, 
1815. 

57 



The Office of Discount and Deposit of the Bank of Penn- 
sylvania is situated on the north side of Second between Market 
and Ferry streets. 

President, 
James O'Hara. 



Joseph Barker 
Anthony Beelen 
Thomas Baird 



Directors, 



David Evans 



Ebenezer Denny 
Boyle Irwin 
George Wallace 



Pittsburgh directory, 1815. 



THE FARMERS' AND MECHANICS' BANK 
OF PITTSBURGH. 

Cashier 
George Poe, Jun. 

Open daily from 9 o'clock a. m. till 3 p. m., except Sun- 
day, Fourth of July, Christmas and Fast days. Discount day, 
Thursday. 

Is situated on the north side of Third, between Market and 
Wood streets. 

President, 
John Scull 



William Eichbaum, Jun. 
John Ligget 



Directors, 



William Leckey 
Jacob Negley 



Pittsburgh directory, 1815. 



58 



Post-Office 

POST-OFFICE ESTABLISHMENT. 

Arrival and Departure 

of the 

MAILS, 

At the Post-Office — Pittsburgh 

The Eastern Mail arrives on Sunday, Wednesday, and Fri- 
day evenings, and closes on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 
at 8 o'clock A. M. 

The Western Mail arrives on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sat- 
urday, and closes on Sunday at sunset, and Wednesday and 
Friday at i o'clock P. M. 

The Beaver Mail arrives on Monday evening, and closes the 
same day at sun-set. 

The Erie Mail arrives on Monday evening and closes the 
same day at sun-set. 

The Steubenville Mail arrives on Sunday and Wednesday 
evenings, and closes same days at sun-set. 

The Huntingdon Mail, via Ebensburgh and Indiana, arrives 
on Tuesday, and closes same day at half past twelve P. M . . . 

As there are several places of the same name in the United 
States, it is necessary that the directions should be particular, 
the states should be distinguished, and, where it might other- 
wise be doubtful, the counties . , . 

Those who send letters may either pay the postage in ad- 
vance, or leave it to be paid by their correspondents. 

Rates of Postage 
For Single Letters 

Cents 

For any distance not exceeding 40 miles 12 

Over 40 and not exceeding 90 do 15 

Over 90 do do 150 do 18^ 

Over 150 do do 300 do 25^^ 

Over 500 yiVz 

Pittsburgh directory, 181 5. 

59 



The Suburbs 

''Birmingham is a small village across the Monongahela^ 
about one mile south of Pittsburgh. It has works for green 
glass, furnaces for casting hollow ware, &c. from pigs, and a 
saw mill, which is moved by a steam engine. The coal for all 
these, is used fresh from the mine, without mixture, coaking 
or desulphuration. 

Many of the balls for Perry's fleet, were cast in this foun- 
dery. But instead of forming such ministers of havoc, the 
metal is now moulded for softer hands, and flat or smoothing 
irons are produced in abundance. These are ground on a 
stone which revolves by a band from the ^steam engine." 
Thomas's Travels through the western country in 1816. 

"At a respectable meeting of the inhabitants of Birming- 
ham and its vicinity, convened at the school-house, on Friday 
evening the 28th of March, 1816, in order to take into con- 
sideration the expediency of erecting a Market-House, in said 
town ; Nathaniel Bedford, was called to the Chair, and George 
Patterson, appointed secretary. 

The chairman having stated the object of the meeting, the 
following resolutions were proposed and unanimously adopted, 
viz. — 

Resolved, That a Market-House be built on the plan ex- 
hibited by Mr. Benjamin Yoe. 

Resolved, That the site of the structure be the centre of 
the square. 

Thus, another thriving and Manufacturing Town, is added 
to the many which have been established in the western section 
of Pennsylvania; and social order, with its concomitants, the 
arts and sciences, illuminate those wild and dreary shades, 
where lately none but the prowling wolf, or the restless and 
cruel savage held their haunts." Mercury, April 20, 18 16. 

"At the beginning of the century the site of Allegheny City 
was a wilderness. In 1812 a few settlers had made inroads 
upon the forest, and had builded their cabins. Notice is called 
to the fact in the minutes of the Presbytery of Erie, in April 
of that year, in the following words : *An indigent and needy^ 

60 



neighborhood, situated on the Allegheny, opposite Pittsburgh, 
having applied for supplies,' the matter was laid before the 
Presbytery. 

Joseph Stockton seems to have been the first stated min- 
ister, preaching a part of his time there until 1819." Centenary 
memorial of Presbyterianism in western Pennsylvania. 

"The facility for getting to and from Pittsburg [from Alle- 
gheny] was quite a different matter from what it is to-day. 
The only highway (if it may be called such) leading west from 
Federal Street to the Bottoms at that early day, was the erratic 
Bank Lane, which owing to the natural unevenness of the 
ground upon which it was located, and total neglect of the 
authorities of Ross township to put it in a condition for travel, 
. . . was for many years only accessible for foot-passengers." 
Parke's Recollections of seventy years. 

Lawrenceville was laid out in 181 5 by Wm. B. Foster, and 
liad begun with the building of the United States arsenal. 



Courts 

"The Supreme Court holds a term in Pittsburgh, on the ist 
Monday in September annually, to continue two weeks if neces- 
sary, for the Western District, composed of the counties of 
Somerset, Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Alle- 
gheny, Beaver, Butler, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Warren, Ve- 
nango, Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana and Jefferson." Pitts- 
burgh directory, 1815. 

"Mr. Lacock submitted an important resolution for in- 
structing the committee on the Judiciary to enquire into the 
expediency of dividing the state of Pennsylvania into tzvo 
Judicial Districts, and establishing a district court of the U. 
States at the city of Pittsburgh, which was agreed to." Com- 
;ynonwealtJi, Jan. 6, iSiy. 



County Elections 

"Henry Baldwin is elected to congress for the district com- 
posed of the counties of Allegheny and Butler, by a majority 
of about 800 votes. 

61 



John Gilmore, William Woods, Samuel Douglass and An- 
drew Christy are elected to the assembly. 

Lazarus Stewart is elected Sheriff of Allegheny county, 
by a majority of i8i votes. 

Joseph Davis is elected commissioner by a majority of 249 
votes, and Charles Johnson, Auditor by a majority of 28 votes. "^ 
Gazette, Oct. 15, 1816. 

The State Legislature 

"The bill for erecting the two Bridges at Pittsburgh has 
passed both houses. The sites are fixed at St. Clair-street for 
the Allegheny and Smithfield-street for the Monongahela. 
The state subscribes $40,000 of stock for each bridge. 

A bill is about being reported for establishing a horse and 
cattle market in the vicinity of Pittsburgh. 

The bill for erecting Pittsburgh into a city has passed the 
senate and is before the house, where it is expected to pass 
tlirough without opposition. 

The bill for erecting a new county out of parts of Allegheny,. 
Westmoreland, Washington, and Fayette, is reported. This 
bill will throw off the greater part of Elizabeth township from 
Allegheny county. There have been no remonstrances against 
it received from this county ; but we understand that some have 
been received from the other counties concerned. 

The bill for erecting a Poorhouse for Allegheny county, it 
is expected will pass." Mercury, Feb. 24, 1816. 

"We regret to say that neither from our correspondent at 
Harrisburg nor from the papers printed there, have we been 
enabled to procure an account of the legislative proceedings. 
We take two papers published at the seat of government, but 
from some unaccountable reason they do not contain the in- 
telligence our readers require. We are reduced to the neces- 
sity of picking up here and there from letters to editors — from 
information derived from travellers — or from some other like 
inconclusive sources of information, that intelligence with 
which Journals published at the seat of government should 
supply us. They ought to be the fountains of information to 
the mass of the community : Instead of dabbling in politics 
and abusing or eulogizing party leaders, they should deal in 
facts. The National Intelligencer we look upon as the best 
model with which we are acquainted of a national journal. "^ 
Cominonzvealfh, Dec. 24, 18 16. 

62 



Slavery 

"Nearly all of the first residents of Pittsburg and vicinity 
who were wealthy enough to afford the luxury were owners 
of slaves. The Nevilles, John Gibson, James O'Hara, Alex- 
ander Fowler, Adamson Tannehill, the Kirkpatricks and many 
others owned them, and several continued to do so as late as 
the war of 1812. The old newspapers contained advertise- 
ments for runaway slaves even as late as 1820." Wilson's His- 
tory of Pittsburg. 

"The year 1780 is memorable in the annals of Pennsyl- 
vania for the passage of the act for the gradual abolition of 
slavery in this State. . .It provided for the registration. of every 
negro or mulatto slave or servant for life, or till the age of 
thirty-one years, before the first of November following, and 
also provided, 'that no man or woman of any nation or color, 
except the negroes or mulattoes who shall be registered as 
aforesaid, shall at any time hereafter be deemed, adjudged, or 
holden Avithin the territory of this Commonwealth, as slaves 
or servants for life, but as free men and free women.' " Egle's 
History of Pennsylvania. 



6^ 



Advertisements from the Newspapers of 1816 

SHOT, POWDER, &c. 

The Subscriber Has Just Received a quantity of first quality 

Patent Shot, No.i, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6. 

Good Rifle Gun Powder 

By the keg 

Country Segars, Scotch and Rappe Snuff 

Domestic Cloth, and Cotton Shawls. 

— On Hand — 

A General assortment of Merchandize, suited to the present 

and approaching season. 

— Also — 
Prime Pickling Vinegar 
Very strong and fit for immediate use 
All of which will be sold Wholesale or Retail at the lowest 
market prices, for Cash or approved Trade. 

Isaac Harris, 
Diamond, Pittsburgh. 
Will be received in Exchange Butter, Beeswax, Deer Skins, 
Clover and Flaxseed, Flax and Tow Linen, Bags, Flax, Rags, 
and country produce generally. 

CANDLE MANUFACTORY 

The subscriber, respectfully informs his friends and the 
public, that he has erected a dip and candle manufactory in the 
Diamond, Pittsburgh; where he will keep constantly on hand 
and offers, Wholesale and Retail, dipt and mould candles of 
the best quality and on the most reasonable terms. 

Thomas Colman. 

N. B. Economical Lanthern Candles, at 12 cents per bunch. 

D. & J. CHUTE 

Have on hand, a handsome assortment of Shoes, adapted 
to the season; a few pairs Boots, suitable for laborers; also, 
Currant Wine, by the barrel or smaller quantity. The above 
are offered for sale low for cash or negotiable paper. 

N. B. When servants call for shoes, it is necessary that an 
order be sent. 

64 



PITTSBURGH PIPE MANUFACTORY, 

ROUND HOUSE. 

WILLIAM PRICE 

Informs the merchants of the Western country that they 
may be suppHed with any quantity of long or short 

Smoking Pipes 

as handsome and good as those imported— and hopes the mer- 
chants of this place will give the preference to the Manufactures 
of our own country. 

OYSTERS 

Gentlemen can be genteely accomodated at the City Hotel, 
with Oysters. Edward Carr. 

STOP THE THIEF! 

Taken from the subscriber on the 19th of November last, a 
Black Great Coat, with a large Cape, the Cape buttoned on the 
collar, on the front of the Cape is black glass buttons, and on 
the front and hips of the coat is cloth buttons, taken by James 
Dunlap from his boarding house. This Dunlap is a large man 
with a red face, and on the fingers of his right hand two of 
the knuckles are out of joint. 

Said Dunlap is by occupation a sort of a saddler, but if 
you wish to see him you may go to the grog shop or brandy 
house, for there is his place of abode in general. Any person 
that will take up and return said Dunlap and Coat, shall re- 
ceive the reward of Five Dollars. 

Benjamin Crandall. 

THE BANKS 
WEST OF THE MOUNTAINS, 

Are most respectfully informed, that the Bank Bill En- 
graving and Printing Office at Pittsburgh, shall in the future 
be kept constantly open in such a style of elegance and punctu- 
ality as to merit the honor of their patronage. 

The Bank Paper manufactured for the office, by Messrs. 
Drum & Markle of Greensburgh, is allowed by competent 
judges to be equal to any in the United States. 

Charles P. Harrison. 

65 



PRACTISING BALL. 

Mr. Boudet's first Practising Ball will be on Saturday 
Evening the 26th instant, at his School Room. 

N. B. No gentlemen can be admitted without being in- 
troduced by a lady with whom Mr. B. is acquainted; nor can 
any gentleman be permitted to dance in boots. Admission 
tickets for gentlemen to be had at any time of Mr. B. Price 
One Dollar, pupils half price. 

GERMAN REDEMPTIONERS. 

Just arrived from Amsterdam, Tradesmen and Farmers, 
single and married, who are willing to bind themselves for the 
payment of their passage money, amounting to about ninety 
dollars, for a term of three years, and their children being up- 
wards of four years old until they are of age on paying half 
passage money. The steady habits of these people and their 
general character for honesty and industry it is supposed would 
render them particularly desirable in a country, where the pro- 
curing of assistance is difficult and uncertain. For further 
particulars apply to 

BosLER & Co. or to 
Glazer & Smith 

of Philadelphia. 

READER ASK YOURSELF THE 
FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. 

Do I, or do I not, owe the Printer? Shall I pay him his 
small pittance? — Shall he stop his business for want of what 
I honestly owe him? All just men will answer No! Then 
gentlemen, if such is your answer, it certainly is a pleasing 
one to the Printer, who will, at all times, be happy to attend the 
calls of those who have it in their power to pay our just de- 
mand — for without money we must discontinue our useful 
business. 

H. D. & Co. 

BALL 

Mr. Boudet, respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentle- 
men of Pittsburgh and its vicinity, that he will give a Ball this 
evening, (Friday the 24th inst.) at the court-house, at half 
past seven o'clock, and will be conducted as they are in our 

66 



populous cities viz — the ladies to be invited, and gentlemen to 
pay one dollar on their admission — understood, that such gen- 
tlemen as are strangers to the professor, must come introduced 
by some person with whom he is acquainted, without which 
they cannot be admitted. 

N, B. No gentlemen allowed to dance in boots. Tickets 
to be had at the door — price one dollar. 

CHARLES S. FIMETON 

Carpenter — Late of Chambersburgh, Respectfully informs 
his friends and the public in general, that he has commenced 
the Carpenter Business, in Front-street, in the same house oc- 
cupied by William Sands,- barber and hair dresser; where all 
orders in his line will be thankfully received and promptly at- 
tended to. 

LITERARY NOTICES. 

John Binns of Philadelphia proposes to publish a splendid 
edition of the Declaration of Independence, which shall be in 
all respects American : The paper, the types, the ink, the de- 
signs, the engravings, — the publication throughout shall afford 
evidence of what our citizens have done in politics, and can do 
in art. 

TO BUILDERS. 

The public are respectfully informed that they can be ac- 
commodated with any quantity of Iron Cannon Borings. In 
cities where these Borings can be procured, they are much used 
as cement for any kind of mason work, exposed to the weather, 
or the action of water, such as chimney tops, parapat or fire 
walls, piers of bridges, etc. 

M'Clurgs & M'Knight. 

OYSTERS 

JOHN BYRNE 

At his Umbrella Manufactory, Fourth, Between Market and 

Ferry Streets. 

Just received and for sale at his Oyster House, a few Kegs 
most excellent Spiced Oysters. 

He continues to make and repair Umbrellas and Parasols 
in the newest manner, the smallest favour will be greatfuUy 
attended to. 

(>7 



GRAND NATIONAL LOTTERY 
SECOND CLASS 

Authorised by Act of Congress, for opening a Canal in the 
City of Washington. 

Begins drawing on the 30th September next. 
35,000 Dollars 1 
25,000 Dollars >■ Highest prizes 
10,000 Dollars J 

Six Dollars the lowest Prize. 

Tickets for Sale 
At the Store of William Hill for cash only, who will receive 
the drawings regularly. 

NOTICE 

My wife Fanny having thought proper to withdraw herself 
from my protection, without the least cause given on my part 
for her doing so, I am compelled, though very reluctantly, to 
forbid all persons from trusting her on my account, as I will 
pay no debts which she may contract hereafter. 

J. TiBBETTE. 

N. B. I also inform those who wish to be shaved in Im- 
perial Style, that I am always to be found at my Shop in Mar- 
ket Street, between Front and Water Streets. 

MECHANICS RETREAT, 

At the Green Cottage, facing Mr. Jelly's Factory, Turn- 
pike Road, 

Is Opened, 

W^here an assortment of Liquors of the very best quality are 
kept. Turtle and other Soups every Wednesday and Sunday. 
— Share of public patronage is solicited. 

WANTED 

At the United States' Arsenal, now erecting near Pittsburgh. 
Forty good Stone Masons, and Twenty Labourers, 
to whom constant employment and good wages will be given 
for one or two seasons. 

Apply to the subscriber on the ground. 

Christopher Armstrong. 

68 



WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TIN MANUFACTURY, 
THOMAS W. EAGLES, 

Wood street, between Water and Front Sts., 
Has just imported an elegant assortment of the best Eng- 
lish planished Tin Ware, 

consisting of 

Dish covers in setts, Sheet Brass, 

I'ea pots, Do. Copper, 

Coffee Biggons, Mill saws, 

Hash dishes of all sizes, Iron and tinned rivetts, 

&c. &c. &c. Brass kettles of all sizes, 

&c. &c. 
The above are the first assortment that has been offered for 
sale west of the mountains, and will be sold at the importers 
prices. 

Also, on hand an elegant assortment of 
Looking Glasses, 

on better terms than at any other house in this city. 
A small invoice of first rate Sadlery. 
An assortment of Patent Iron Ware tinned inside. 

BANK OF PITTSBURGH, 
2d JANUARY, 1817 

The Directors of this institution being desirous to procure 
an eligible situation on which to erect a Banking House, hereby 
give notice to persons holding such that they will receive at 
the Bank sealed proposals for the sale of the same until the 
first day of February next. 

By 'order of the board, 

Alex. Johnston^ Jr. Cashier. 

SIX OUT-LOTS FOR SALE 

These Lots are situated on Grant's Hill, adjoining Adam- 
son Tannehill, Esq. The intrinsic beauty of these Lots, their 
contiguity to Pittsburgh, the elegant and commanding view 
which they afford of the town, the surrounding country, and 
the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers, sufficiently 
recommend them. For terms apply to 

John M'Donald, 

Smithfield Street. 

69 



WANTED 

10,000 merchantable deer-skins, for which a generous price 
will be given — if delivered within a month from this day. 

Charles L. Volz & Co. 

REMOVAL 

John Cowan, has removed his Bow String Manufactory, 
from Liberty street, to the house lately occupied by Wm. Davis, 
in Diamond alley, sign of the Bird in Hand; where he con- 
tinues to manufacture Bow-strings. He also keeps a con- 
venient yard for Market people, to leave their horses in. 
Liquors, etc. He returns the public thanks for their liberal 
encouragement, and hopes to merit its continuance. 

J. BYRNE, 

JEWELLER, MARKET STREET, 

Has just received a fresh supply of those justly esteemed 
and highly approved "Medicines," prepared by W. T. Conway, 
No. I, Hamilton Place, Common Street, Boston. 

Read ! Try ! Judge ! 

Then speak as ye Find. 

TO BE LET 
And possession given on or before the first of April next. 
A Three story brick dwelling House with Kitchen, Well, 
Smoke-house, Smith shop. Stable, etc. in the yard. Situate in 
Virgin alley, between Wood and Smithfield streets. For 
terms apply at the store of the subscriber, in Market Street, 
nearly opposite the Black Bear. John Wills. 

LOTS FOR SALE 
IN THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH. 

The Subscribers being appointed by the President of the 
LTnited States Joint Commissioners for the purpose of selling 
certain Lots in the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the 
property of the United States, in pursuance of an Act of Con- 
gress, passed 2d August, A. D. 181 5: In virtue of the said 
appointment, they will expose for sale at Public Vendue, 

Lots No. 55, 56, 57, & 58, 

Being part of the site of Fort Fayette, bounded by the Alle- 
gheny River, Hand and Penn Streets and an alley. . . 

These Lots are as eligible as any vacant Lots in the City. 

70 



THE SUBSCRIBER OFFERS FOR SALE, 
A HOUSE AND LOT, 

Situate on the corner of Smithfield-street and Strawberry 
alley. The lot is 20 feet front and 60 deep. The house stands 
on the back end of the lot and rents for eighty-four dollars 
per year. There is room on front for building 20 feet by 32. 
The property is subject to a ground rent of seventy dollars 
per annum. For further particulars, apply to the subscriber, 
in Virgin alley, between Wood and Liberty-streets. 

Thomas Collingwood. 

FIVE CENTS REWARD. 

Ran away from the subscriber, on Sunday the ist inst. 

Andrew Jeffery 

An apprentice to the tin plate business. The above reward 
will be paid if brought home, but no expences. 

George Miltenberger. 

TO LET, 

and possession given immediately, 

That well known tavern sign of Capt. Lawrence on the 
Turnpike road two miles from Pittsburgh. — To a person quali- 
fied to keep a public house the terms will be made very reason- 
able. Apply to Wm. B. Foster. 

FOR SALE 

A Black Woman, who has six years and a half to serve, 
with two female children, from 4 to 6 years of age, to serve 
till 28. The woman is healthy, honest, industrious, and an 
excellent Cook. The owner having no further occasion for 
their services will dispose of them on moderate terms. En- 
quire at the Gazette Office. 

FOR SALE, 

A Black Girl, who has eleven years and eight months to 
serve. She is young, active and healthy: a good house maid 
and equally qualified for farm or tavern work. As the owner 
has no further use for her, she will be disposed of on moderate 
terms and at an accommodating credit. Apply at the Auction 
Store, Market street to * D. S. Scully. 

71 



TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD 

Ran away about the middle of September last, from the 
subscriber living in Connelsville, Fayette county, Pa. a negro 
man named Pompey, a slave for life, about fifty years of age, 
five feet six inches high, very dark, small featured, bald head, 
active, much addicted to drunkenness and impudent when in 
that state — has formerly resided in Philadelphia and Pitts- 
burgh, and affects to speak French. Took with him a black 
cloth coat, a lindsey coatee, one pair blue cloth pantaloons, one 
pair dimitty do and sundry other wearing apparel. Whoever 
apprehends and secures the said negro so that the subscriber 
may get him again, shall receive the above reward and reason- 
able charges if returned. John Campbell. 

TAKE WARNING. 
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD. 

Ranaway from the subscriber, on Saturday the 2nd day of 
March last, a Negro Man named Jim, about 23 years of age, 
about 5 feet 10 inches high, somewhat slender and not very 
black, about a chestnut colour, has a small scar on one of his 
cheeks, I believe the right, the scar appears to have been made 
with a knife when small, and is about one inch long, just above 
the cheek bone. Whoever will apprehend said Negro and con- 
fine him in any jail in the state of Pennsylvania or Ohio, so 
that I may get him, shall have the above reward — and this is to 
forwarn all persons from hiring or harbouring said Negro, 
under the penalty of their lives, for after this notice, I am 
determined to kill any man that I find him in the possession of, 
without he first ascertains that he is legally free, and I hope all 
persons will be cautious how they hire slaves. 

Hezekiah Conn. 

N. B. . If the above described Negro is apprehended and 
put in jail, a letter to' me at Frontroyal, Fredrick county, Vir- 
ginia, will be immediately attended to. 

SIX CENTS REWARD. 

Ran away from the subscriber on the 4th inst. a servant 
girl named Nancy M'Carthy about 14 years of age had on 
when she went away a cotton frock, green silk btmnot, fair 
complexion, light hair cut off short. She is supposed to be 
gone to the new garrison, as she was taken up there once before. 
I forewarn all persons from harbouring her. The reward will 
be given,, but no charges. ' Wm. Graham. 

72 



A FLAT-BOTTOMED BOAT 

Was taken up the subscriber, living at the mouth of the 
Four Mile Run, on the Ohio river, on the 21st inst. She is 
50 feet long, 12- feet wide — the gunnels and gunnel plank are 
oak, and the rest of her poplar. She had on board two oars 
lying on deck, and no stearing oar. The owner is desired to 
come and prove property, pay charges, and take her away. 

William Burger. 

$30 REWARD 

Ranaway from the Subscriber on the ist inst. an Appren- 
tice to the carpenter business, named 

Joseph Reever, 

about 20 years of age, dark complexion about 5 feet 7 or 8 
inches high, long sandy hair, had on when he went away a 
black roram hat, black velvet round about and pantaloons of 
the same, he took with him sundry articles of his own clothing 
and stole one pair of gray casimere and a pair of blue striped 
gingham pantaloons, also a green striped waistcoat with silver 
buttons and rings, also one fine cambric muslin shirt and an 
old linen one marked G. F. He has a cross on his left arm 
and a representation of a buffalo on the calf of his right leg 
below his knee and a figure 4 on his thigh made with Indian 
ink, whoever takes up said apprentice and returns him to the 
subscriber shall have the above reward all reasonable charges. 

Geo. Foulk. 

three cents and a pound of 

old horse-shoe nails 

REWARD! 

Strayed away from the subscriber on the nth instant. 

John Donaldson, 

an apprentice to the blacksmith business — aged 18 years — five 

feet 7 or 8 inches high — stout built — very slow in the motion 

— very fond of playing ball and being idle — more proud of 

dress than of his work; — He took with him no more clothes 

than what was on his back, which consisted of one common 

shirt, a dark marsailles waistcoat, a dark gray coattee and 

pantaloons, one pair stockings, one pair shoes half worn, a 

neck-handkerchief, and one new black fur hat, made by Wm. 

Church. No other marks are recollected. The above reward, 

no charges and no thanks, will be given to any person who will 

return said stray. James Yourd. 

73 



VALUABLE PROPERTY ON PERPETUAL LEASE 

The subscriber will Let on a Perpetual Lease the Houses^ 
Stabling, and Lot of ground, situate on the corner of Wood 
and Fifth Streets, in the City of Pittsburg, Containing 120 feet 
front on Wood Street and fifty seven on Fifth Street, The 
Houses, Stabling and Lot is well known ; the sign of the Turk 
Head. Any Person wishing to view the property, will apply 
to the subscriber next door to the sign of the Turk's Head,. 
Fifth Street. G. Stewart. 

WILLIAM MASSON 
SAILMAKER— PITTSBURGH 

Begs leave to inform the public, that he has received from 
Philadelphia, a quantity of Russia Sail Duck — also, a quantity 
of Blocks, of various sizes; and that he is ready to receive 
orders from any place to make sails for boats or vessels of any 
size — likewise sacking bottoms, either of country cloth or Rus- 
sia duck. 

From an experience of twenty years following the sea, he 
flatters himself he will be enabled to give satisfaction to those 
who may want any thing in his line. 

BOAT LOST. 

Lost at the time of the last Fresh of the River, 
A handsome Boat, 

Twenty feet keel, painted green outside, and red inside, a 
heart painted on the stern, the moulding and stern painted 
yellow and a keel from stem to stern. Whoever has taken up 
said boat, or will give information where she may be found, 
shall be handsomely rewarded, on application to 

Charles Imsen^ O'Hara's Glassworks. 

TAKEN UP A DRIFT 

In the time of the flood, in February last, a Broken Raft 
of Scantling and Boards, & landed them near the foot of Sandy 
Creek Island, in the Allegheny river. The subscriber sup- 
posing the owner would soon come, and take care of his prop- 
erty, which he did not, and they lying in a bad way, and a 
spoiling, he has drawn the raft, and secured it, and requests 
the owner to come, and prove his property, pay charges, and 
take it away. Michael Bright. 

74 



1816 

'There is always a peculiar solemnity which impresses 
every thoughtful mind on the birthday of another Year. The 
year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, with all its cares, 
with all its bustle, its pleasures and its pains, has gone, and 
now mingles with the departed dreams of our midnight slum- 
bers. How many of us imagined while engaged in the din and 
bustle and uproar of the world, that this era would form an 
important epoch in the history of man? and yet all these 
thoughts have now vanished, and scarce left a record on the 
pages of memory behind !" Gazette, Jan. 14, 18 17. 



75 



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